HUMBOLDT — This year’s Summer Sizzler is cancelled due to the pandemic.
City council voted to cancel the June 18 to 21 event at its meeting on April 27.
“This is a recommendation I never thought I'd have to make,” said Michael Ulriksen, Humboldt’s community services director, adding the Sizzler has been a staple of the community.
“This is definitely not a recommendation that we took lightly in coming to but one that unfortunately, we believe is in the best interest of our city to make now, as opposed to holding off for the coming weeks.”
Ulriksen said the province’s five-phase reopening plan hasn’t provided any dates that would allow a large public gathering in June; midway operator West Coast Amusements is indefinitely suspending all of their operations; and that other attractions like the Hammerheads Swim Meeting, Strongperson competition and lacrosse game would probably have to be cancelled.
Other communities, including Nipawin, Swift Current, Weyburn and Moose Jaw, have canceled their fairs.
Ulriksen said the city is working on alternate ways to engage Humboldt residents and is looking at spreading the components of the Summer Sizzler throughout the rest of the year as conditions allow.
“I know this is sad news for our community,” said Rob Muench, Humboldt’s mayor. “I know everybody looks forward to this event every year, as I do, my family does. It's going to be hard not having it.”
The cancelation is expected to have no impact on the city’s budget.
