After much deliberation, it has been decided that Red, White & Kaboom is canceled this year due to the unknowns associated with COVID-19. City staff met in late January to discuss a smaller footprint for the event because of the Summit Consulting’s new office headquarters that is currently under construction in downtown Lakeland along the west side of Lake Mirror. A very large portion of the usual event space is now closed as part of the construction site so a reduced event footprint was outlined. Since that time, the world has been hit with the impacts of COVID-19. The reduced footprint would cause the already large crowd that attends the annual event to gather into a more compact area. The reduced footprint for the event has now been compounded by the unknown of the coronavirus. After lengthy discussions with staff and the event sponsors it has been decided that the event will be canceled for 2020.
“T. Mims Corp is disappointed we won’t be able to celebrate with our friends, family, and the community at large during Red White and Kaboom this year. But, we know that the safety and well-being of our greater Lakeland community is the most important treasure we have,” said Paula and Tom Mims. “We encourage everyone to participate with the many non-profits providing essential services here in Lakeland and remember that our food distribution organizations still need our help. Please remember Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) as you make donations. Our gratitude goes out to all of our essential workers and please know the Mims family and T. Mims Corp are proud to stand with you!”
T. Mims Corp has been a sponsor of the Red, White & Kaboom since 2009 when they graciously stepped forward to assist with the event during the economic downturn. In 2009 the economic downturn found the event without a major sponsor and the City Commission at the time decided to cancel the event because of shrinking revenues and lack of funds. The day the public was notified that the event was canceled, Tom Mims called the City of Lakeland and stated that he and his wife Paula would sponsor the event. The Mims family are long supporters of community events and they wanted to continue the tradition of families coming together to celebrate our nation’s history. “We love our country and our community and we didn’t want to see this great event go away,” remembers Tom Mims. “As a Country and as a Community we will be back.”