K-W Multicultural Festival cancels June event due to COVID-19

Organizers of the K-W Multicultural Festival have decided to cancel the 2020 celebration of music, dance and culture.

Put on by the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre for the past 52 years, organizers say preparations begin for the festival as early as April.

"Even if physical-distancing is no longer necessary by the beginning of May, there just won't be enough time for our amateur performers to rehearse or for community groups to plan and organize their participation," said Lucia Harrison, CEO of the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre in a news release on Thursday.

Earlier in the day,Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said physical distancing and quarantines are the "new normal"until a vaccine is developed. Some experts have estimated that is six to eight months away, others suggest it could take a year to 18 months.

• PM says physical distancing, quarantines 'new normal' until vaccine is developed

"We have a responsibility to balance all of the risk factors with our commitment to this community.It honestly doesn't seem like a good idea to have upwards of 50,000 people come through Victoria Park while our community might still be recoveringfrom a pandemic," saidHarrison.

"Just wait till next year," she added. "It will be the best Festival yet."

The festival was to be held on June 20 and 21. Other festivals are also taking a serious look at whether they will proceed as planned this summer. On Monday, the Elora Festival announced it would postpone its summer festival, which had been scheduled from July 10 to 26.