Cuyahoga Falls is the latest to scrap summer events as communities extend social distancing to tame the coronavirus.

Mayor Don Walters announced Friday that Cuyahoga Falls is canceling all city-sponsored events and programming scheduled for this summer, including Riverfront Irish Festival in June and Festa Italiana in July.

"Following the guidance of Gov. [Mike] DeWine and state and local health officials, we have made the difficult decision to cancel large-scale public gatherings scheduled for spring and summer 2020," Walters said in a prepared statement. "The health and safety of our residents and visitors to our city are our priority. We look forward to the time when we can safely gather together as friends and neighbors."

The city has yet to announce plans for its Water Works Family Aquatic Center season or the use of outdoor swimming and wading pools. Awaiting guidance from state and county health officials, the city said more details on aquatic activity will be coming in the next few weeks.

Following Akron’s announcement Wednesday that it was canceling festivals and major events at Lock 3 Park, Mayor Dan Horrigan’s office also said it had yet to make a decision on whether to open its two outdoor swimming pools or new splash parks.

"If and when those activities are allowed, it is likely that additional health and hygiene protocols will be implemented, but details are not known at this point," said Ellen Lander Nischt, a spokesperson and strategic counsel for the Akron mayor. "All those facilities are currently closed, and we will make announcements if and when they reopen."

Other events scratched from the summer schedule in Cuyahoga Falls include: Falls Downtown Fridays, Farmers’ Market in the Falls, Flicks on the Falls, Keyser Concert Series, Kids’ Carnival, Mobile Rec Park Schedule and Touch a Truck.

"The well-being of our community is the main priority of the Riverfront Irish Festival and the city of Cuyahoga Falls as we announce the cancellation of our 2020 event," said Michael Namsick, chairman of the Riverfront Irish Festival. "We look forward to bringing the Riverfront Irish Festival back to Downtown Cuyahoga Falls in 2021."

"We acknowledge the strain that this puts on our vendors who rely on Festa and the disappointment of those who attend this traditional event," Festa Italiana Chairman Rick Sabo said. "But more importantly, we hope you and your families stay well and look forward to a dynamic 2021 Festa Italiana."

In addition to the public fun, Cuyahoga Falls Parks and Recreation has canceled spring and summer softball for adults and girls, as well as youth tennis. The city is developing virtual programming to supplement the outdoor activities. More details will be available at www.cityofcf.com.

Reach Beacon Journal reporter Doug Livingston at dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3792.