By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
As first reported by Today’s Northumberland, for a second year, the Town of Cobourg – in partnership with the Cobourg Lions Club and Rotary Club of Cobourg – regret to announce that the on-going COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of the Cobourg Waterfront Festival and Canada Day celebrations.
The agreement was unanimous among the community organizers that the uncertainty of the pandemic made this move advisable, and plans continue to bring back these celebrations better than ever for 2022.
The town also advises that its Marketing and Events Department continues to accept applications for community festivals and events, which will be reviewed by the Community Events Committee. Event permits may also be subject to cancellation based on public-health measures that may be adjusted, tightened or loosened due to local COVID-19 trends, case counts and provincial directives.
Mayor John Henderson said in the announcement that the top priority must be the health and well-being of residents, essential workers, community partners and festival attendees.
“Even with vaccinations now being distributed, we are still very much in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and, after much consideration, our community partners have made the responsible decision,” Henderson said.
“The cancellation of the Waterfront Festival affects not only the members of the community who look forward to this event every year, but also the non-profit organizations that we are able to support with the proceeds from the festival,” Lions President Marshal Davis pointed out.
“The Cobourg Lions Club continue to work hard to make up the lost revenue by hosting drive-through dinner events out of the Lions Centre.”
“The health and safety of our community is of utmost importance to us,” Rotary Chair Garry Liboiron added.
“The Waterfront Festival has always been an opportunity for the Rotary Club of Cobourg to meet people, serve the community, raise funds and give back to many very important causes. We hope we can return soon with an event that serves and promotes our community.”
Residents are encouraged to follow Experience Cobourg on social media and to visit the website (www.ExperienceCobourg.ca) for upcoming announcements on virtual Canada Day activities, community events and fundraising initiatives.
As well, the town has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage (www.cobourg.ca/covid19) with program and service updates, news from the municipality and risk-reduction advice, with updates posted as they come in.
For local health updates, visit the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit website (www.hkpr.on.ca).
For provincial information, including the status of cases in the province, visit www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus.
Waterfront Festival and Ribfest Cancelled for Second Year Due to COVID-19
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
