Although the city's Little Italy Street Fest was able to be held last year, in a limited form, at the end of the first pandemic summer, organizers said they have called off this year's 16th annual event, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 11, because of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and staffing difficulties at businesses including restaurants that feed visitors at the popular event.

Citing "current social and professional climates," organizers canceled the festival, held in the neighborhood annually since 2006. The announcement said, "The businesses along N. Jay Street ... have collectively come to this difficult decision and look forward to a successful Street Fest next year."