With the safety of citizens still a major concern, the annual Italian Fest has been canceled.The festival, which has taken place at Al Quaal Recreation in the past, would have been celebrating 121 years in existence. The festival includes loads of food vendors, fireworks, and live music.

“It’s almost like a grieving process that people go through,” said Bob Hendrickson, Executive Director of the Greater Ishpeming–Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce. “You know the denial, the anger, the sadness. It’s a wide–range of emotions and that’s what makes this really challenging for the public, community, and organizers.