The 2020 Lebanon Strawberry Festival has been canceled, organizers announced Monday morning, April 20.
“After careful consideration for the welfare of the public and the impact that COVID-19 continues to have on our city and its residents, the 2020 Lebanon Strawberry Festival is canceled,” the festival board announced in a statement.
“This decision did not come easy, the City of Lebanon, city leaders and the Strawberry Festival Board have come to this mutual decision to safeguard our community.”
This would have been the 111th year for the festival, based at Cheadle Lake Park.
“As the summer months approach, our focus needs to be continuing any and all safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus and rebuilding our community by following the governor’s “stay home, save lives” order. It is uncertain when the required social distancing and restrictions on mass gatherings will be lifted, and due to the size of the event, we must consider the greater good.
“We have a proud history of 111 years of tradition with the Lebanon Strawberry Festival.
“The Strawberry Festival Board is dedicated to improving our festival for years to come, and it is our goal that we will be able to come together and celebrate tradition, health and renewed excitement for our future next spring.”