TURBEVILLE, Va. – For the first time in decades, hundreds won’t be flocking to Halifax County to savor the tasty melons that have made the region famous.

The Halifax County Chamber of Commerce has canceled the 40th Virginia Cantaloupe Festival due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. In announcing the decision, the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Cantaloupe Festival committee said they felt it is in the best interests of the public to forgo the melon festival this year, citing “the health and safety of the community” as their top priority.

The popular event had been slated to take place later this month at the Berry Hill Resort in Turbeville.