The Vermont North Country Chamber of Commerce has canceled this year's Fall Festival and Chilifest, both normally held the last weekend of September in Newport.
Chamber president Bruce James cited the U.S. Canada border closure and ongoing health risks from COVID 19 as reasons for the decision. "With the closing of the border and the continued health risk to visitors and local residents alike, the chamber's board of directors felt it was best to cancel this year's event and come back with it next year," James said.
The chamber also noted that social distancing, face mask requirements, and food preparation accountability made holding the events unfeasible. "It would be like playing Russian roulette and not be a responsible action to invite people to congregate during these COVID-19 times," James added.
This year's Scarecrow Contest, scheduled for October, will proceed as planned. Businesses, organizations, and residents create scarecrows that are displayed along streets and in store windows for a week.
Originally reported by Newport Dispatch.
Photo: Zülfü Demir📸 via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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