Citing the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on group gatherings, the city of Milton and Crabapple Community Association announced they are canceling Crabapple Fest, an annual event that already had been moved from this fall to April.

“The hope was that the virus would have abated by then, and with it, requirements for people to social distance,” the city said. Instead, in recent weeks, “the number of coronavirus-related cases, hospitalizations and deaths has surged nationwide and right here in Georgia.”

The city said it made the call now out of concerns for public safety, vendors’ scheduling and the festival’s reputation. The arts and antiques event attracts upwards of 30,000 visitors.

“If the coronavirus situation improves significantly, the city is open to possibly having smaller-scale events in the late spring or summer,” Milton said. Information: https://bit.ly/2IJFxQz