Organizers of the annual Barbecue Festival in Lexington have called off this year’s event amid the ongoing effort to control the spread of COVID-19. 

The planned festival was still three months away. But given that it annually attracts upwards of 100,000 people a year packed into the streets of Uptown Lexington, the decision was made to wait until next year.

Organizers say they talked with city leaders, healthcare officials, and law enforcement, and determined that cancelling the event was in the best interest of the health of attendees.

They cited Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order that prohibits large gatherings in making their decision.

The Barbecue Festival has been a huge draw to the region for more than 30 years. Organizers say they’re planning to do some smaller events and virtual shows to highlight Lexington’s most famous cuisine.

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