Kalamazoo Ribfest cancelled

Organizers of Kalamazoo Ribfest have decided to shut down this year’s festival and begin planning for next summer.

The popular event would have been held July 31 to August 1 at Kalamazoo’s Arcadia Festival Place. Townsquare Media Southwest Michigan organizes the event, which is in its 35th year.

In a statement, Townsquare regional president Kate Morton said it was too risky to consider gathering that many people in one place.

“While we hope the conditions in Michigan are improved by the end of July, we are unable to, in good faith, ask our neighborhood businesses, out of state vendors, local and national artists, volunteers, and staff, to proceed with planning,” she said.