Festival forgoing summertime event

HURON — For a second straight year, one of the area's most popular summertime festivals won't happen. Organizers for the Huron River Fest recently revealed a collective decision to cancel this year's event. They made a similar choice a year ago, nixing the 2020 edition, for a comparable reason: COVID-19. "The festival committee has been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the past year with the hope and anticipation of hosting the 2021 festival," according to a statement sent to the Register. "The recent lifting of the large gathering ban and the increase in vaccinated Ohioans provides hope for our future, however, there are still many restrictions in effect that make it challenging to carry out the festival this year," the statement read. Originally, for later this year, organizers wanted to commemorate the festival's 30th anniversary, a celebration now pushed back until 2022. "Our committee felt that, given the restrictions still in effect, it was not feasible for our small volunteer group to be able to adhere to all the restrictions while also providing the caliber of festival that our community has been accustomed to," festival president William Biddlecombe said. Biddlecombe also noted timing played a major factor. "The festival is not something that is thrown together in a couple of weeks," he said. "We work throughout the year to ensure everything is planned accordingly," Biddlecombe added. "So, with all the uncertainty, we were unable to lock down key aspects of the festival prior to the large gathering ban being lifted." Biddlecombe understands this represents an unpopular decision with many. "I know a lot of people will be unhappy. We are not happy as well," he said. "But we feel we made the right decision. It is our hope that 2022 will bring back the sense of normalcy that everyone is used to and, then, the Huron River Fest as well." The Huron River Fest's return should take place July 8-10, 2022. Crowning the queen The Huron River Fest still elected its new queen, Alaina Parkinson. She stands to receive a scholarship upon graduating this spring. "Since we are unable to hold a pageant, Caylin McCormick, who was crowned a co-queen last year, will continue as the (reigning) Huron River Fest queen," Biddlecombe said. Once more events take place, McCormick will continue to represent the Huron River Fest and surrounding communities.