Niagara-on-the-Lake's annual Icewine Village festival has been cancelled. And you probably know why (COVID).

The NOTL Chamber of Commerce, which operates the event and had planned to do a COVID-safe “contactless” festival this year, made the decision to cancel it due to rising COVID cases, in the best interest of the community’s health and safety.

“The safety and health of residents, visitors, and staff are paramount. In the best interest of the community and due to the increase in COVID cases, the downtown Icewine Village will be cancelled,” said chamber president Eduardo Lafforgue.

“We hoped to make a safe version of the event, but it was decided to look for other options.”

He said anyone looking to take in an icewine experience in 2021 should look for the Icewine Trail at Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries.

The Village is expected to return to downtown in 2022.

Lord Mayor Betty Disero thanked the chamber for making the decision to cancel the event.

“While Niagara-on-the-Lake is a proud host of the Icewine Village, we know this is the best decision in light of ongoing restrictions within the second wave. The health and safety of our residents is of the utmost importance,” she said.

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