EATON — A longtime area festival has officially been canceled.
The board of the Preble County Pork Festival announced on social media Tuesday evening the decision to suspend the festival for 2022.
According to the post, rising costs are to blame.
“The continuing rise in cost of products has made it impossible to maintain our aging equipment, purchase new equipment and continue the festival in a traditional fashion,” the post said.
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The board says another reason this year’s festival was canceled is due to lack of volunteers.
“As with the rest of you, we continue to question the economic stability of the future and have financial uncertainties in regard to our outlook. The lack of volunteers, start up cost and overhead costs have forced an uncomfortable situation for all who have dedicated time, talent, and money to the festival,” the post said.
This would have been the 52nd Preble County Pork Festival.
“This decision was not made easily, nor spontaneously. We are truly thankful for all who have volunteered endless hours, donated products and services, and supported the festival over the last 50 years,” the post said.