ArtsCrawl is usually a big part of Gallup’s social calendar during the spring, fall, and summer. But COVID-19 has kept it on hiatus for a year and a half. However, during the Business Improvement District meeting on Aug. 19, Executive Director Francis Bee gave the board some hope for the future.

“… I would say right now there’s like a 50/50 chance we’re going to have the ArtsCrawl, but we’re planning for it; because if you don’t plan for it, it certainly can’t happen,” Bee said.

Bee asked the city council to close Coal Avenue between First Street and Third Street and Second Street between Route 66 and Aztec Avenue. The closures were approved.

“We’re keeping a close eye on the COVID virus and the spread of the Delta variant,” Bee stated. “We have the September B.I.D. meeting, which is the third Thursday of September.

“If at that point it looks like the virus is out of control, we can cancel the October event.”

The first ArtsCrawl in 2021 is scheduled for Oct. 9.

Coordinator Rhonda Quintana, who was unable to make the meeting, is already working on plans for the event’s return. Bee said that she was able to secure a large rock and roll band for the date.

By: Molly Howell
Sun Correspondent