Oyster Festival off for this year

by Tom Chillemi – 

The 2020 Urbanna Oyster Festival has been cancelled. However, some aspects of it may still be offered.

The Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation issued the following statement last week:

“After a health and safety meeting with the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Urbanna officials, Middlesex County officials and Three Rivers Health Department, the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation has reached a decision in regards to the carrying forward of the 63rd Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival.

“Due to the uncertainty and risk of the potential spread of COVID-19 and the foundation’s concern for our loyal patrons, vendors, volunteers and staff, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the 2020 Urbanna Oyster Festival.

“The foundation did not come to this decision lightly. With the circumstances we see in regards to state, national, and international events in 2020, it has become clear, as the organizers of such a large-scale, free community festival, the necessary precautions for our patrons’ health and safety cannot be taken without thoroughly altering the dynamics and overall nature of this time-honored event and tradition…