Melanie Lekocevic is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Athens Street Festival will happen this year, but on a smaller scale and at a later date than usual. The annual event is traditionally held on the second Saturday in July. It is one of the largest public events in Greene County, drawing more than 15,000 people. This year it will occur on September 18, if approved. Athens Street Festival Committee Chairwoman and village board member Gail Lasher said the Athens Village Board has not yet approved the event to move ahead, but she expects a vote soon. “I hope that because of vaccinations, things may open a little more, but first we have to see if the village will allow it to happen,” Lasher said. “The committee has met one time, but I think the village will allow it if we have the proper guidelines in place.” Lasher said the plan calls for a smaller event with safety precautions in place to comply with health and state guidelines. Masks will be required for visitors and vendors, there will be hand-sanitizing stations and social distancing will be enforced. There will likely be no carnival rides for children. Committee member Mitch Poole said after the festival was canceled in 2020, bringing the event back — even with a slightly different look — will be good for Athens. “The festival brings people to Athens. Some people come for the music, some for the vendors, some for the fireworks. It’s the biggest event in Athens the whole year.” Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.