Riverfront Pops Is a GO, But With Plenty of Rules

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Riverfront Pops will go on this year, but with some big changes.

This is a favorite Quad City event and it always draws thousands of people. So how do you hold an event like this and keep everyone safe? You hold the concert with plenty of guidelines.

The QCSO will perform the music of Fleetwood Mac at 7 pm, Sat., Sept. 12 in LeClaire Park, but there are a few changes.

According to the QCSO website, follow these guidelines.

• Group Ticketing: Ticket buyers will purchase a reserved plot of space in LeClaire Park as they would a seat at a concert venue. These plots are sized for groups of 10, 6, or 2 people, and are available in three price zones.  Attendees will not be admitted to the park until everyone in their group has arrived.  There is no re-entry if guests choose to leave the park.  A limited number of distanced seat pairs will be available in the permanent seats near the band shell.
• Social Distancing: Use of the plot map will significantly limit the total audience size. Groups should arrive together and not mingle with other groups attending. The ground will be marked to keep groups socially distanced for entry. Guests will exit as a group, and departure will be controlled to disperse group movement across the park and maintain social distancing.
• Facial Masks or Coverings: Facial masks or coverings will be required for entry, exit, and to move about the common areas. Facial masks or coverings are strongly recommended but not required when attendees are in their seating plots. Disposable masks will be available for those who arrive without one.
• Reduced Contact: Physical tickets will not be sold on site, and must be purchased in advance. Program booklets will only be available in a digital format, but will be available online if attendees wish to print their own copies. Guests may also request a print out of the program be mailed to them for a $4 fee up to 14 days before the event.
• Food & Beverage: Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages. There will be no on-site vendors. Those who choose to enjoy alcoholic beverages must drink responsibly.
• Increased Availability of Handwashing Stations & Hand Sanitizer: Additional porta-potty locations including handwashing stations and hand sanitizer available. A map of the park with additional details will be released later in July, 2020.
• Attendees should be asymptomatic: Anyone who is experiencing symptoms or who has been in contact with someone experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath within 14 days of the event is expected to stay home.
• Musician, Staff and Volunteer Safety: The orchestra will be smaller with distanced seating, and facial masks will be required in certain areas for production staff and volunteers. The Youth Orchestra opener has also been canceled this year.

If people can follow the guidelines, this should be a great show. You can get your tickets in early August online at QCSO.org, by phone at (563) 322-7276, and in person at the QCSO Box Office at 327 Brady Street in Davenport.