It is with profound sadness that we are once again having to cancel our Machias Wild Blueberry Festival for 2021. Back when we made the decision to cancel the 2020 festival, we never imagined that we would still be facing the challenges from Covid 19 that we are. We felt certain that we would be able to safely put on the festival in 2021.
With the state of Maine Covid 19 guidelines needed for so many of the festival events, it would be impossible to ensure your safety. We know this is a deep disappointment on so many levels and we too, feel sad for and along with our guests, our vendors, and our local businesses.
Please understand that we did not come to this decision easily or lightly. We waited as long as we possibly could to make the decision, hoping that the numbers would change and that there would no longer be the need for social distancing and masks. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in the same situation of uncertainty and anxiety we were in at this time last year.
However, at Centre Street Congregational church, United Church of Christ, we believe that God is still speaking and always doing new things. We have faith that no darkness and no difficulty ever has the last word. To that end, we have reimagined a bigger and better Machias Wild Blueberry Festival going forward. We are sure that with the current rate of vaccines being administered, that we will be safely able to host our beloved Machias Wild Blueberry Festival August 19-21 2022 and look forward to seeing you then!
Warmly,
Ellen Farnsworth, Machias Wild Blueberry Festival Chair
Rev. Susie Maxwell, Centre Street Congregational Church, UCC