An upcoming safety event aimed at teaching children and families the importance of various safety measures has been canceled.

On Wednesday, the committee for the annual Carbon County Community Safety Day, hosted by state Sen. John Yudichak, the Carbon County Commissioners, St. Luke’s Health Network Kid Zone, Nolan Ritchie Stay Afloat Foundation and the Carbon Lodge 242 Free and Accepted Masons, made the announcement that the event, which was scheduled for May 2, has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mindy Graver, one of the committee members, made the announcement, saying that the health and safety of the community members was the top priority in the decision.

“I know this will disappoint many - especially the youth in the county - but the health and safety of all come first,” she said.

Community Safety Day at Mauch Chunk Lake Park has been a staple in the community since 2013 when Yudichak joined the effort to bring a day of fun and learning to the children of Carbon County. Before that, the event, then known as the Fun-N-Safety Fair, was held near the Masonic Lodge on Fifth Street in Jim Thorpe.