EDMONTON — Despite Alberta Premier Jason Kenney's hope that the COVID-19 vaccine will allow summer events like the Calgary Stampede to go ahead, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival has been cancelled
The festival says in a statement that without full vaccination, people won’t be entirely safe from the spread of COVID-19.
It says that with virus variants and an uncertain vaccine rollout, the impossibility of social distancing at the outdoor festival could lead to community spread.
Kenney has said that two-thirds of the population should have a vaccine shot by the end of June and things should begin to feel back-to-normal.
He says the Stampede, which is held in early July, along with sporting events and other festivals will be possible.
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival says it will continue to offer online content and, if small gatherings are permitted, it hopes to add some community engagement.
"With so many variables at play, the complexity of planning and delivering a festival of our size makes it impossible to move forward in our usual manner," the statement said Monday.
"As profoundly disappointing as this news is, we believe this is the only safe way forward. The safety of our patrons, volunteers, and artists was of paramount importance in coming to this conclusion."
The annual four-day festival in the city's Gallagher Park usually attracts thousands of music fans and boasts approximately 2,700 volunteers.
Alberta introduced new health rules last week, closing restaurants to in-person dining and further reducing customer capacity at retail stores in response to rising COVID-19 numbers.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2021.
The Canadian Press
