SOUTH BOSTON, Va. – An event that attracts thousands of people to the town of South Boston has been cancelled again this year.

The Halifax County Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that the 2021 Virginia Cantaloupe Festival has been cancelled because of the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the area. The gathering had been scheduled to make its return on Friday, August 27 at the Berry Hill Resort in South Boston.

Organizers of the annual event called the decision “devastating” but necessary due to the recent spread of the virus in Southside Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Health lists an 11.1% positivity rate in Halifax County, which is among the highest in the state. Community spread of the virus has risen and two recent deaths have been reported in persons under the age of 50.

The Halifax County Chamber of Commerce is issuing refunds to those who purchased tickets for the festival.