Fort Ligonier Days festival canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, but businesses remain open

WESTMORELAND CO., Pa. — Since this year’s Fort Ligonier Days festival was canceled due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, signs were posted on the side of the road saying, “See you in 2021." And the message hasn’t sat well with local businesses because they think it has impacted how potential customers viewed the entire town.

“You don’t want to people to think that just because Fort Days isn’t happening the town is closed up,” said Ruthie Stewart of Abigail’s Coffee Shop. “No, we are here; we are following COVID restrictions (and) we’re super excited to have you.”

Business owners banded together to let people know they are still open next weekend to celebrate the 60-year tradition. The Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring Ligonier Chamber Days.

Festival organizers announced the decision in July, citing the “risk of the health of our community” being a main factor.

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The popular festival, which draws tens of thousands of people every year to Westmoreland County, was originally scheduled to take place Oct. 9-11. Organizers had delayed canceling the festival during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic because of the financial impact to the local economy.

Organizers said they expect the festival to be back in 2021.

In the meantime, the festival will still carry on in a virtual format using social media. The festival’s merchants, vendors, sponsors and supporters will have the opportunity to be featured during the virtual festival.

You can read more about that in the statement issued by festival board president Mark Sorice below:

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