Annual Blessing of the Combines Festival canceled due to COVID-19

SNOW HILL, Md. – After more than 20 years, the Blessing of the Combines Festival which draws thousands of people to Snow Hill has been canceled for the first time this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Organizers say about 4,000 people from across the coast visit the downtown area every year for the festival.

They say this annual tradition is a way to remind people about the importance of agriculture while honoring our local farmers.

Organizers tell 47ABC they could not risk the health of both residents and visitors by holding this event that could possibly lead to the spread of the virus.

“We get people from New York, Pennsylvania and Florida who come for this festival,” said Diana Nolte, an organizing committee member.

“It’s very, very unique and we’re really going to miss it this year, but we’re going to be back stronger next year,” said Nolte.

Organizers are asking everyone to mark their calendars for the next Blessing of the Combines, which will be held next year on August 7th.

They add that despite this year’s cancellation they are planning on providing educational material on agriculture for the community during the next few months.