Phoenixville Cancels Spring Food Truck And Dogwood Festivals

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — One of the borough's most iconic events will not take place later this year amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The 2020 Phoenixville Dogwood Festival, which had been scheduled for May 13 through May 16, has been canceled, organizers announced Tuesday. In addition, all other community events which had been scheduled through mid-May have been canceled or postponed.

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"Within this situation, it is not possible to create a clear timeline for when it would be safe to gather for and organize an event of this nature," the Phoenixville Jaycees, organizers of the Dogwood Festival, said in a statement. "It is impractical to believe we could properly sanitize all the of the rides and concession stands adequately to provide a safe and enjoyable event experience to all our members, guests, corporate, and community partners."

The May 1 First Friday has been canceled, but an additional event has been set for Nov. 6. The Spring Food Truck Festival, set for May 2, has been canceled. A Whole Lot of Lulu Vintage Market, set for April 25, has been rescheduled to June 13.

As of Tuesday, the Fall Food Truck Festival remains on the schedule.

"We are thinking of you all during this time, and want to thank you in advance for your understanding and your continued support of our festivals," the Food Truck Festival said Tuesday. "We look forward to getting through this crisis, and to seeing you all again soon."

Dogwood, which traces its roots back to 1943, is held in Reeves Park. Activities include live music, entertainment, food, drinks, contests, a parade, the presentation of scholarships for local students, and the crowning of a "Dogwood Queen."

>>Phoenixville Area Coronavirus Updates: Borough's First Case Found

While events throughout the region in March and April have been swiftly canceled, there remained some hope that later spring and summertime festivals could possibly occur, depending on when social distancing measures are lifted. There has not yet been any announce on Phoenixville events scheduled for later in the year.

The Festival said they are looking forward to celebrating the 2021 event.

Chester County has 160 cases of coronavirus as of Tuesday afternoon, with one death thus far in the county. Phoenixville has two cases.

Dogwood organizers are part of the group that has put together InThisTogetherPXV.com, which offers a bevy of resources and a fundraiser for neighbors in need.