MARS — Another one bites the dust.

Members of the Mars Borough satellite club responsible for organizing Applefest decided the best way to keep people safe from COVID-19 during this year's festival is to cancel it.

Brian Fleeson, a festival organizer, made the announcement July 17 to a number of local businesses.

“There is no foreseeable way that we can adhere to all social distancing guidelines,” Fleeson said in an email. “Or get every person in attendance to sign a waiver releasing the event organizers and vendors from legal action should somebody decide to sue if they contract COVID-19.”

The event was planned for Oct. 3.

During a phone call with the Eagle Monday, Fleeson indicated a number of elements went into the decision to cancel.

He also said the biggest concern currently with planning any public event is legal responsibility: Some people who contract COVID-19 are pursuing lawsuits as a response.

“One of the larger things is liability,” Fleeson said. “That burden would fall on us.”

Fleeson added manpower is another problem. Even if the satellite club partnered with former Applefest planning entity Rich-Mar Rotary Club to monitor attendees, there wouldn't be enough people available to enforce social distancing and wearing masks.

The 36-year-old event has been known to bring 3,000 to 4,000 people for entertainment, vendors and food from around the area. Proceeds generated from the festival support other events the satellite club hosts throughout the year.

Fleeson said it's prudent timing to cancel this year's festival now.

Planners have been fielding vendor applications since March. But they hadn't reached the stage of booking entertainment.

While he recognized in his email that things might change before Applefest's October date, Fleeson said planners are proceeding as if there will be no immediate improvement in the pandemic.

All things considered, this year's festival was headed for a healthy turnout, according to Fleeson.

“I received a really great response from vendors,” Fleeson said.

It's too early to make any bold decisions about the 2021 Applefest. Fleeson said the first stages of planning don't start until spring.

But he's hopeful this year's limitations won't extend beyond December and Applefest will continue to grow.

“We are absolutely planning on having it next year,” Fleeson said.

Anyone with questions can email marsapplefest@yahoo.com.