Animas River Days has been canceled over health and safety concerns with the coronavirus outbreak.
Event organizers had said earlier this month the annual whitewater paddling festival would carry on, though the event was pushed back a week to June 12-13.
But organizers posted to social media Monday that with too much uncertainty with the coronavirus outbreak and how long social-distancing measures will be in place, the event will be canceled.
“While this was a difficult decision, we believe it is the best choice at this time for everyone,” organizers wrote. “We look forward to the day when we can once again safely celebrate whitewater paddling on the Animas River.”
Animas River Days, a paddling festival that culminates with the infamous river parade, began in 1983 and has never been canceled. The event also features river surfing, freestyle kayaking, boatercross and raft/kayak slalom.
River festivals in Dolores and Farmington were also canceled this year.
