New restrictions from the governor as a result of a rise in COVID-19 cases has resulted in the cancellation of this year’s Palmerton Community Festival.

The festival board met Wednesday evening and made the difficult choice to scratch the 31st annual event, according to event chairwoman Susie Arner, who said they are taking all necessary precautions.

“We were hoping to see a decline in numbers as we had seen just a few weeks ago, but that has not happened along with tighter restrictions, so we have decided to cancel,” Arner said. “This certainly is not what we were hoping for, however, we will be back next year as big as ever.”

The decision to cancel comes several weeks after the event received the go-ahead to run Sept. 11-13 in the borough park.

While the event was scheduled to have gone on, there would have been no rides, craft tent, bingo tent or live entertainment.

“We tried, but certainly the facts are not in our favor, so that’s just how it needs to be,” Arner said.

Arner said while it was a “tough decision” to cancel, it was one that was necessary based on the current conditions.

“Thank you to everyone for their understanding and support,” she said. “Some may disagree that this was a needed decision, and we respect your opinions, so please respect our decision as well.”

Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday that Pennsylvania has imposed new statewide restrictions on bars and restaurants, along with larger indoor gatherings.

The new restrictions come months after Pennsylvania began reopening its economy, as Wolf warned that a “new surge is in the offing” could eclipse what happened in the spring.