An annual rite of spring in Alvinston has been cancelled for the third year in a row.

The annual Maple Syrup Festival has been cancelled again because of uncertainty about COVID-19 restrictions. The festival, which is always held in mid-March, was one of the first of many community events which had to be shelved over the course of the pandemic.

Brooke-Alvinston firefighters, who put on a very popular all-day breakfast during the festival, had already decided not to host the event. But the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, has maple syrup making demonstrations at AW Campbell Conservation Area, was still considering the idea last week.

Wednesday, the authority pulled the plug.

“Due to the uncertainty around what COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted, and when those changes would come into effect, planning the event has been challenging,” said Melissa Levi, Conservation Education Coordinator in a news release. “We have decided to hold off for another year to re-focus our efforts and host an event that would align with our visitors’ expectations.”

The tours usually bring about 1,000 people to the park.

This year’s Watford Maple Syrup Festival has also been cancelled. The last two years, they had a take home festival.

But people looking to get their maple syrup fix will be able to have breakfast in Warwick. The Warwick Firemen’s Association plans a Pancake Breakfast on March 27 at the Warwick Community Centre from 9 AM to 1PM.