Duluth, MN………Today’s announcement by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz regarding plans to relax the pandemic-driven mandates and restrictions was met with optimism by Tracy Lundeen, President, and CEO of the Lundeen Group based in Duluth. “We look forward to the return of many of our events this year – considering calls and emails to our office, the public is ready for them too. The event industry has been hammered for almost 14 months now,” said Lundeen. “Today’s news is welcome relief for event promoters, and all business owners. We need to get back up and running and I believe the Governor has done the sensible thing by opening things back up.”
On a personal level, Lundeen’s optimism is further buoyed by the fact that his youngest son is getting married in July and it’s been somewhat of a nightmare trying to plan guest lists, table seating, and dancing arrangements. “It’s disheartening when you are being told you can’t do this and you can’t do that or you have to dance in pods or only with people at your table during a major life celebration,” he added. Tracy Lundeen is a COVID survivor who came very close to losing his life in late January. He understands the impact of the virus but feels that officials need to be realistic and consistent with their efforts to manage it. “The Governor’s announcement today makes it sound like all of these restrictions will be lifted in time for our son’s wedding, I’ve got one happy kid!”
“Today’s announcement means that we will actually see smiles on unmasked faces during our events, and that is priceless after the year we’ve all endured,” shared Lundeen.
The Lundeen Group produces Festival by the Lake taking place this July in Bayfront Festival Park, as well as the Duluth Fall Wedding Show, the GO Show (senior expo), the Duluth Wedding Show, New Years by the Lake, and the Duluth Women’s Expo.