NEWPORT — “Long Time No Sea” was intended to be the theme of the 2022 Newport Seafood & Wine Festival next month, but fans of the big event will have to wait longer to attend in-person. Citing Covid-19 health and safety concerns, the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce announced this week it has cancelled its in-person version of the festival.
What would have been the 45th annual event was slated for Feb. 24-27 in a scaled-back version of prior celebrations. The venue — near Rogue Ales Brewery at the Port of Newport — was planned to feature a smaller tent setup than in years past, and time-slot tickets sold to reduce the number of attendees present at any one time
Although the chamber had planned to require proof of coronavirus vaccination or a negative COVID test for attendees, those safeguards weren’t enough to provide the “level of safety and protection from COVID that is foremost for participants and the community,” according to the chamber’s annoncement. Also contributing to the cancellation was a decline in vendors and volunteers over their Covid-19 concerns.
People who pre-purchased tickets can request refunds from Afton Tickets by emailing support@aftontickets.com.
Featuring food and wine vendors, tastings and demonstrations, the festival has been a key part of winter promotions in the past. In announcing the 2022 event late last year, a release from the chamber noted “its benefits during the winter season when tourism is low. The economic impact of the event brings visitors to the community and supports local businesses during a time when they need it.” Several local non-profit groups also rely on the event to raise funds.
The 2021 festival was “virtual,” with to-go baskets of food and wine available for purchase, augmented by virtual cooking demonstrations and wine-tastings.
