Another bitterly difficult decision to cancel in light of the coronavirus pandemic was made yesterday (June 1) by the Downtown Association of Yakima. The wildly popular 'Downtown Summer Nights' concert series has officially been shuttered for this year.

In a post on their official Facebook page the bad news was spelled out like this:

"Yakima! We love you and our beautiful downtown. We can't wait for the days of being able to gather without concerns, but now is not that time. Due to the current state of cases in the Yakima Valley and the restrictions in place, we feel that we will not be in a position to host our beloved Downtown Summer Nights this year. The safety of our volunteers, vendors and attendees is and always will be our first focus. We wish you all a wonderful summer full of small celebrations with those that are closest to you and look forward to next summer and all the fun that it will bring."

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

It will be hard to replace the weekly community event, for sure. The tremendous music and musicians, the food vendors the family-friendly atmosphere, the sense of unity and levity and, lest we forget, the beer and wine garden on a sultry Yakima evening on Historic Front Street
Scroll through the photo gallery above for scenes from get-togethers from years gone by going as far back as the event's infancy before it moved closer to the railroad tracks and old train depot.

We'll miss you, Downtown Summer Nights but we know that you'll be back... and WE CAN'T WAIT!

Coronavirus Pandemic: Which Tours and Festivals Are Canceled (and Not)?

More From KMGWFM