The Great Tomato Festival, scheduled for Aug. 12 at the State Fair Center in Minot, will not take place this year due to the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is really no choice to be made in this matter. For the safety of all of our volunteers and of those in attendance, a large gathering is just not feasible. Our sponsorship team has also concluded that we cannot in good conscience ask for financial support from the business community at this time of economic uncertainty.

“After 31 years without interruption it’s heartbreaking to see a break in our winning streak. But like any winning team, we plan to be back to full strength when the time is ripe. We will miss seeing our many friends and sponsors this year and look forward to our next Great Tomato Festival,” said Peggy Miller, Great Tomato Festival founder.

This year’s beneficiaries are The Taube Museum of Art and Minot Symphony Orchestra. The organizations will be holding an online event and auction. Community support is needed to help them continue to carry out their missions: To enrich lives through the visual arts and to provide opportunities for musicians and inspiration to patrons through education and the performance of diverse orchestral repertoire. For more information, visit Taube Museum of Art or Minot Symphony Orchestra’s Facebook pages or call 838-4445 or 858-4228.