KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Memorial Day, for many, is about being with family, vacations, cookouts, and remembering those who died for our country. The coronavirus pandemic has shifted how people in the Kansas City area are honoring the holiday, but the message remains the same.
Candy Thurman usually attends Celebration at the Station – something her family looks forward to every year. But Monday, Thurman, her husband and two daughters spent time at Longview Lake instead.
“That's canceled, so we're here trying our best to celebrate our freedom," Thurman said.
Jada Johnson, who rented a pontoon boat at the lake, said it’s better to be outside for the fresh air.
“And I think people have been inside for so long that they need fresh air,” Johnson said.
But Longview Lake wasn't full of boaters on Monday, as many people said they were hoping to avoid the rain. Some, like brothers Nathan and Jake Horton, took advantage of Saturday’s weather to get out on the lake and went tubing.
Kale Horton, their father, said there were many people on the lake Saturday.
"When you're out on the lake, it's no problem with social distancing," Kale Horton said. "Just keep plenty of distance between yourself and other people recreating on the lake. Just kind of keep it within the family, and it felt really safe for the most part."
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has said that people should still social distance outside. Many agree being outside is a safe option for having some fun.
"And you can kind of pretend the pandemic isn't happening, just temporarily speaking," Neal Thurman said. "Just don't think about it, and stare into the nature."
Most shelters at Swope Park were empty, but a few families were out fishing and eating.
"Just hanging out as a family, trying to get out of the house,” Terrence Scales said. “Everybody's got, what do you call it? Cabin fever.”
Scales said the people he saw were enjoying themselves safely.
"Spread around. Everyone is just kind of getting out enjoying the weather,” Scales said. “That's what it's mainly about, getting back into the norm.”
