GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio — There might be hope for the Geauga County Maple Festival after all.
Organizers had canceled the event this week, saying it would cost too much money to abide by all of the COVID-19 restrictions in the state of Ohio. However, after hearing Gov. DeWine's optimistic comments and confirming his loosening of certain measures, officials have scheduled a meeting to see if they can figure out a way to hold it.
For the second consecutive year, Geauga County won't be holding one of its signature events, with organizers announcing that the 2021 Geauga County Maple Festival has been canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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In a Facebook post published last Tuesday evening, the festival was scrapped for the second straight year, as leaders said that the financial implications were just too much.
"It is with mixed emotions that we announce that the festival as we have known it will not occur this year," the post read. "We reviewed the state guidelines and attempted to plan with physical distancing, however the cost would be too great.
"We are an independent organization that relies heavily on volunteers and the little to no profit we retain each year. We needed to cancel or postpone until next year, so we can continue to host the festival for many years to come."
In place of the festival -- which was also canceled last year due to COVID-19 -- organizers had said they will be selling Maple Stirs from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. every Sunday in March and April, except for Easter. The Maple Stirs will be sold from the outside window of the Heritage House for $2 a stir. Masks are required and the purchase window and payment can be made in cash, credit card or Venmo. Additionally, Tappin’ Sunday will live stream on Facebook at 1 p.m. on March 7.
Should the festival come back, it is usually held during the first week in April. More information can be found at MapleFestival.com.