OMMEN, 04/04/01 - The municipalities of Ommen and Denekamp have cancelled all festivities scheduled for Queen's Day. The organization committees of both Overijssel towns took the decision in connection with the foot-and-mouth scare. The festivities in Hoogeveen, where the Royal family will celebrate the day, are also under pressure.

Ommen feared especially the large parade it had planned for the national holiday on 30 April. According to a spokesman for the municipality, foot-and-mouth might be spread by the event, which annually attracts some 25,000 spectators.

The possible spread of foot-and-mouth has also made Denekamp decide to call off all its annual festivities, including a cycling race. "The event pulls large crowds, who move regularly. We cannot take the risk. Moreover, we regard the decision as an act of moral support to the farmers," said a Denekamp spokesman.

The Royal family itself will celebrate Queen's Day in Meppel and Hoogeveen. The latter town threatens to fall into the danger zone as well, as there is a suspect farm. Whether this will have consequences for the festivities is still unclear, according to the Government Information Service (RVD). If all goes well, Meppel and Hoogeveen will be the first towns to celebrate Queen's Day in the presence of Maxima.