The Town of Petrolia has postponed its annual barn dance and Art in the Park that had been scheduled for this weekend.
Director of Community Services and Facilities Dave Menzies said the barn dance typically attracts 1000 people to the open-air Farmers' Market site each year, and they couldn't accommodate that under the current COVID-19 gathering guidelines.
"We're getting close to hosting an event of this size, and ask residents to please save Labour Day weekend, should large gatherings be permitted," said Menzies. "Petrolia is prepared to celebrate!"
The barn dance had been scheduled for July 10, while Art in the Park was scheduled July 9 and 10.
"It was a very difficult decision," said Art in the Park chairperson Carol Graham. "Like so many events this year, we felt it would be unsafe to gather in large numbers. Even with only our vendors, that number put us over the provincial restriction."
Graham said they're looking forward to next year and the event will be held July 8 and 9, 2022.
The Rotary Club of Sarnia Bluewaterland has also decided to focus on next year.
The club said in light of continued uncertainties, it has decided to put its energies into Rotary Art in the Park 2022, which will be held September 10, 2022 at Mike Weir Park in Bright's Grove.