Charlestown Seafood Festival Is Latest Coronavirus Cancellation

CHARLESTOWN, RI — Another popular Rhode Island summer tradition will not be held this year because of the new coronavirus. This year's Charlestown Seafood Festival has been canceled after Gov. Gina Raimondo said events with 50 people or more would be impossible this summer.

This is the first time the festival has been canceled in 35 years. The Charlestown Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event, said the decision was made for the safety and well-being of local residents and attendees.

"The Charlestown Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of our patrons, members, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, partners and the Town of Charlestown for their continued support always and especially during these trying times," the organizers said.

The festival serves as the chamber's largest annual fundraiser. The chamber asked Rhode Islanders to make a donation and support members businesses as restrictions lift.

Next year's festival promises to be "bigger and better," and is set to be help from August 6 to 9.

Coronavirus in Rhode Island: Latest headlines

• 374 New Cases Of Coronavirus in Rhode Island; 15 Deaths
• Gov. Raimondo Holds Second Kids Coronavirus News Conference
• RI Sees Spike In Domestic Violence Reports: Coronavirus
• 13,000+ Filed For Unemployment In RI Last Week: Coronavirus
• Newport Jazz, Folk Festivals Canceled Amid Coronavirus Crisis
• No Concerts, Parades: RI Coronavirus Cancels Large Summer Events
• RI State Police Hold Virtual Story Time: Coronavirus
• 2020 Washington County Fair Canceled Due To Coronavirus