When details came out about this year’s New York State Fair, Harborfest Executive Director Peter Myles knew that he had to cancel Harborfest. Unlike the State Fair, there are no points of entry to keep track of attendance and Oswego really can’t afford to give vendor discounts like the state plans to do at the fair.
“So with the type of festival that we put on, it would be very difficult to do it safely,” said Myles. “We just don't have the ability to do any of those things and still run the festival,”
He said that Harborfest is just not the same with all of the covid restrictions in place, and that if he can’t do the festival everyone knows and loves while keeping everyone safe, then he’d rather wait.
“We just didn't feel comfortable and able to do it safely and not create a disaster,” said Myles.
Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow said finances are also a concern of the Harborfest Board of Directors.
“They were worried about the financial implications, and the long term health of the event beyond 2021. And I think that is understandable as well,” said Barlow.
This news came on the same day that Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the state would be doing away with many capacity restrictions and ramping up the state’s reopening process.
“I think opening restaurants and weddings and establishments and venues is a lot different than having a citywide festival where 80,000 people descend on a city of 20,000,” said Barlow in response to the contrast.
In lieu of Harborfest, Barlow announced on Monday that there would be a citywide block party for Independence Day. West First Street will transform into an outdoor dining block complete with live music and fireworks.
