Organizers have announced the postponement of a two-day Fun Philippines Ottawa Food and Music Street Festival that had been scheduled for the Parliament Hill district later this month.
“With deep regret and heavy hearts, the organizing team of Fun Philippines Ottawa announces the postponement of the Fun Philippines Ottawa Food and Music Street Festival,” the group said in a message on its website.
The first such festival had been scheduled for May 17-18 on Wellington Street between Elgin and Kent streets.
While making no direct reference to the April 26 attack that killed 11 and seriously injured 20 other people at a Philippine street fair in Vancouver, Ottawa event organizers said “the difficult decision was made in light of unforeseen developments related to logistics and safety factors that are beyond our control.”
Organizers also acknowledged “the broader emotional climate following the recent tragedy in Vancouver and understand that this is a time of mourning and reflection for many in our community.”
The group said that vendors and partners would receive full refunds.
“We remain committed to delivering a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture in the future, one that is safe, meaningful, and peacefully enjoyable,” the group posted.
