For the second year in a row, the Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame has been forced to cancel its enshrinement dinner due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year marked the first time in the hall's 40-year history that there was no banquet.
Hall of Fame President Pete Coenjarts said no individuals or teams will be inducted this year, but the hall is still accepting nominations for the class of 2022.
"The province might not permit large indoor gatherings by next fall. And if it does, some people might be hesitant to attend such a function," said Coenjarts. "On top of that, planning and spending for the dinner would have to begin this month, with the printing of programs, renting of a facility and creation of plaques. Should the banquet be cancelled after preparations got underway, the hall, a volunteer organization, would stand to lose a considerable amount of money."
Coenjarts said the board of directors has decided against simply naming inductees and mailing them plaques because it wants to maintain the tradition of welcoming teams and athletes with a celebratory banquet.
The event usually draws a crowd of 300 to 400 people.