A group of popular local traditions have been cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Wawa Ice Fishing Derby's Board has announced the 30th annual event is being postponed to March 2022, with a release stating the derby's operated with four "prime purposes": promoting fishing, tourism, and economic development in Wawa and surrounding area, but also promoting quality of life - and that's "the highest concern", with the "continuing uncertainty" of the outbreak leading to the derby's postponement.
They further note the 2020 derby was "a great success" with more than 1300 participants, with the board looking forward to celebrating the 30th derby "in an even more special way".
Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Chapleau's announced the "painful decision" to postpone the 2021 Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby until February 2022.
Club President Luc Tessier says the decision was made in a unanimous vote by the club, as this is normally the time when preparations would begin - especially to obtain the truck for the annual draw - but there is too much uncertainty.
Tessier adds one of the main problems the club faced related to insurance.
Tessier expresses hope for the 2022 event, but notes the main factor will likely be whether there's an approved COVID-19 vaccine that will work well.
The club's also noted it is looking into ways to continue supporting Chapleau, such as another fundraising event like a draw, but nothing is confirmed at this time.
Back in Wawa, the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighter's Association annual cash draw has been called off for this year, with a statement from the association's executive noting that many events have been cancelled this year, while social distancing and the transferring of cash and tickets at various businesses and events "would be impossible for everyone's safety and well-being", though the association is looking to return for the 2021-22 draw.