PUNGO — The Pungo Strawberry Festival is canceled for the third consecutive year.
A majority of the festival board voted to cancel this year’s festival on Tuesday, Feb. 22. The organization released a brief statement on social media on Friday, Feb. 25, that said the decision is due to unforeseen circumstances and limited time to resolve issues.
“We will work on resolutions for the 2023 festival,” the statement said. “We are truly sorry and look forward to 2023.”
Tammy Burroughs Hindle, a member of the board, said concerns included the loss of a parcels of land used for parking in the annual event in “downtown” Pungo, the village area that is considered the gateway to rural Virginia Beach.
Hindle said she believes there is demand in the community to see the festival continue, especially after two years in which it was not held due to restrictions related to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“We need to start building momentum for 2023,” Hindle said.
Todd Jones, chairperson of the festival’s board of directors, could not immediately be reached for comment.
The nonprofit organization behind the festival was rebuilding this year following the loss of some key volunteers, and it held an open house for volunteers in January.
The festival began as a small gathering in the village nearly four decades ago, and it is run entirely by volunteers. It draws more that 100,000 to the village for a family-friendly, alcohol-free event that features music, food and a parade.
The event celebrates rural life, spotlights the agriculture industry and recognizes military service. It is normally held over Memorial Day Weekend.
Its proceeds benefit a number of charitable organizations, as well as scholarships for local students. It has raised more than $1.3 million for the community over the years.
Find more information about the festival on Facebook via @PungoStrawberryFestival.
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