Chatham residents will have to look elsewhere for a Canada Day celebration this year.
Organizers of the annual celebration have announced the event's cancellation, citing a lack of sponsorship interest and rising event costs.
In a post on social media, organizer Chris Glassford said it was much easier to host the event last year by partnering with Ribfest the following weekend to share infrastructure.
“Canada Day is one of those feel-good community events we have tried to keep alive over the years, but sponsorship has always been tough," said Glassford. "There isn’t much room for profitability or sustainability in the event, and therefore you start from square one annually on the budget.”
Glassford said he hoped to recoup some of the losses through a one-day beverage garden and local entertainment, however, the associated expenses have doubled compared to previous years.
With ongoing construction around Tecumseh Park in downtown Chatham, the event was expected to be held at the Thames Grove Conservation Area.
"In addition to these challenges, the insurance company that handles most events in Canada for liability or liquor liability has been behind on approvals and binding of coverage, which also has delayed a few internal processes for events at the Municipal level," said Glassford.
Art in the Park, which was planned to be part of this year’s Canada Day event in Chatham, is also being postponed for another day later this summer.
A new date is expected to be announced shortly for that event.
Elsewhere in Chatham-Kent, Canada Day events have been planned for Wallaceburg and Blenheim, with fireworks displays to be held in Blenheim and Bothwell.
