Placing the health and safety of the community first, and out of an abundance of caution due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Hazleton Chamber and Funfest Committee has decided to cancel the Funfest 2021 activities that were originally scheduled for Sunday, September 12.

Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce President Mary Malone said the Chamber board and Funfest Committee members were saddened to have to cancel Funfest again but that putting the safey of the Greater Hazleton community first was paramount in the decision.

“We have attempted to be flexible and responsive to the challenges that the pandemic has presented but decided that even a one-day event with a parade would be too much,” Malone said. “We have been in contact with our sponsors, vendors and parade participants as well as the dedicated volunteers who make this event happen each year."

Chamber board member and longtime Funfest volunteer Andy Piskel said, “ It is disappointing, but given the environment we felt it was the best strategy for the current situation and all concerned.”

Malone added that the Funfest Committee will immediately set its sights on September 2022 and finally bringing Funfest back to Downtown Hazleton.