2020 San Rocco Festa canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic

PITTSBURGH — Organizers of the 95th Annual San Rocco Festa said they have canceled this year’s event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is a statement sent to Channel 11 about the event:

For the past 95 years, we have come together to celebrate the San Rocco Festa with our family, friends, and neighbors. After careful consideration, the San Rocco Cultural Committee Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 San Rocco Festa due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, we will be focusing this year on the most important parts of our celebration: the San Rocco Mass and spending more time with close family. “This decision was not made lightly, but complying with social distancing guidelines and state mandates for large gatherings, and an overriding concern for the safety of our many volunteers, workers, vendors, entertainers, and patrons left us with no choice,” said Dr. Fred Persi, Committee President. He adds, “In 2019, the 3day event drew over 7,000 attendees. We fully expect to return next August with renewed purpose to bring our sense of community to even larger crowds.” All activities at the Center Township Municipal Park previously scheduled for August 14, 15, and 16 have been canceled, along with the traditional procession through Aliquippa.