The 2020 “Taste of the Valley” has become one more local event to fall victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chippewa Valley After Hours Rotary Club announced Thursday that this year’s event, scheduled for June 7 at Phoenix Park, has been cancelled. The decision was made with the support of the event’s presenting sponsor, PESI.
“This tough decision has been made with the continued safety and well-being of the community, vendors, and volunteers” in mind, the Rotary Club said in a press release. The announcement noted the concern that gatherings such as this one would “continue to risk accelerating the spread of COVID-19.”
Proceeds from “Taste of the Valley” support After Hours Rotary’s mission of helping to eradicate food insecurity in the Chippewa Valley. A portion of the funds raised annually help provide turkey dinners during the club’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner Drive in the fall.
In 2019 the club packed and delivered meals to 72 families, in only the fourth year of the program.
The cancellation announcement added that “Taste of the Valley” will be back “stronger than ever in 2021 to bring the best the Chippewa Valley has to offer in culinary arts, with entertainment and activities for children of all ages.”