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WARREN -- For the first time since it started in 1985, there will be no Warren Italian American Heritage Festival this summer.
The festival board voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 festival, scheduled Aug. 8-11, due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus.
"There is no way to keep the public safe at a festival," Carol Ficeti, board president, said. "You can't social distance. You can't wear a mask -- people are going to want to eat. The logistics of trying to be safe with COVID-19 out there isn't feasible.
"For the safety of our volunteers and the people who participate, we just felt it was the best thing to do for public health and safety."
While health and safety are the primary concerns, Ficeti said the board hasn't been able to meet for the last two months (the cancellation vote was done through an online meeting), and it would have been challenging to get ready with the lost preparation time.
Outside of the usual operational costs (insurance, rent, utilities), the board hadn't incurred any substantial expenses for the 2020 festival. Only one entertainer had been paid a deposit, Ficeti said, and that deposit will be returned. The entertainment planned for 2020 will be rebooked for 2021.
With the money generated by its 300 Club raffle and banquet, the festival board still plans to award eight $1,000 scholarships to area students.
Phil Sidoti, who has been involved with the festival since it started, said, "It really wasn't a difficult decision. It had to be done. I'm disappointed we aren't having the festival this year, but we'll come back stronger next year."