The president of the Georgian Bay Folk Society says they had little choice in deciding to cancel this year's Owen Sound Summerfolk.
Natasha Cordick said festival organizers are heartbroken the 45th version of the event, scheduled for August 21-23, will not take place. She said the health and safety of volunteers, patrons, performers, food vendors, and artisans were the top priority in making the difficult, yet necessary decision.
Cordick added they couldn't wait much longer to make the decision.
"The decision had to be made now before we got any deeper into the organizing. I think it would have been a lot harder for us to cancel if we waited, say for another two months. It just would have made more pieces of the puzzle difficult to deal with," she said.
She said festivals are being cancelled across Canada and it's the responsible thing to do.
"Everyone in Canada is being really proactive and doing the socially responsible thing. The community-minded thing, if you will. It's actually a tribute to how loving Canadians are and how much we care about each other."
Cordick said Artistic Director James Keelaghan is handling the details with the performers who have been understanding and cooperative. Cordick said she is assuring the public that planning for Summerfolk 2021 is already underway and promised it will be better than ever.