The Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation announced this week that the 64th Urbanna Oyster Festival will be presented on Nov. 5 and 6.
“The foundation wishes to share some information with you, our Urbanna and Middlesex neighbors, and ask for your understanding and support,” said a news release.
“In June 2020, we met with town, county and state officials and decided to cancel the Urbanna Oyster Festival due to COVID-19. We did this knowing that our local nonprofit organizations would not be able to raise much of the revenues they then use to benefit our community during the following year, and that many of our businesses also would suffer. The future appeared much brighter in June of 2021, and the Foundation continued working on holding the 64th Urbanna Oyster Festival on November 5 and 6. Then came the Delta variant.
“The foundation board has been briefed by Dr. Richard Williams, director of Three Rivers Health District, met with representatives of the nonprofits who operate booths at the Festival, and also with the local, county and state officials who provide public safety during the festival. The foundation also has been following what has been happening at other large outdoor events like local college and professional football games.
“In short, there was a consensus that while there are concerns about COVID-19, we should follow best practices and move forward with the Urbanna Oyster Festival,” stated the Foundation’s press release.
“We will be implementing additional safety protocols during the festival, and following all state and local guidelines. The Virginia Health Department licensing of food vendors will include best practices instructions.
“We are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and beneficial 64th Urbanna Oyster Festival for all.”
