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Delta variant situation results in cancellation of Chemainus community event

October date now off the table for gathering to embrace the town’s qualities
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Roy Summerhayes had high hopes for the return of the Our Chemainus – A Celebration event again on behalf of the Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce, but those have now been dashed with its cancellation. (Photo by Don Bodger)

The continued persistence of Delta variant cases of coronavirus in the region is having an impact on scheduled events in the weeks ahead.

The Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce had hoped to bring back the Our Chemainus – A Celebration on Oct. 16 after a one-year hiatus due to COVID.

Related story: Chemainus celebration making a return in October

“With this Delta variant going berserk, I’ve cancelled the Our Chemainus – A Celebration,” said director Roy Summerhayes, who organized the event on behalf of the Chamber.

He said it was best to “err on the side of caution” at this point and not proceed with any further planning.

The debut event in September of 2019 at the Sawmill Taphouse and Grill Event Venue featured members of 35 organizations, businesses and groups setting up booths, and was intended to showcase the town as a great place to live, work and play.

With health restrictions lifting in July, Summerhayes had anticipated the event could be staged again in the fall, but the rise in Delta variant cases has altered those plans.

“We don’t know where this thing’s going,” said Summerhayes. “If you remember what it was like inside the hall when we had the first one, there’s no social distancing in there. It’s just not possible.

“We’re cancelling it this year and looking forward to the new year.”

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The Sawmill Taphouse Event Venue will again be the site for Our Chemainus – A Celebration. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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