Another Huge Event Canceled, This Time it’s the Exeter’s Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival

Say it ain’t so.  So sad.  Seacoastonline.com is reporting that the 9^th annual Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival, scheduled for October 3 at Swasey Parkway, is being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This cancelation woke me up.  We are now at a point where we are canceling events in the Fall due to this pandemic.  It doesn’t appear that we are going to get it under control anytime soon. One of the reasons the Exeter Parks and Recreation Department and the Exeter Aare Chamber of Commerce cited for the event's cancelation was that it traditionally brings visitors from all over the United States.

According to seacoastonline.com, the event drew tourists from 26 different states last year.  Jennifer Wheeler, president of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce, tells seacoastonline.com “While the festival supports our community and is an opportunity to highlight all we have to offer here, we do not feel that we could provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our attendees, vendors, staff, and volunteers.”

This is going to hurt local business in Exeter so make sure you get out and try to support them this year.  Small business owners need our help more than ever. Greg Bisson, director of Exeter Parks and Recreation Department told seacoastonline.com “We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Swasey Parkway for the festival on Saturday, October 2, 2021.”  At least there is some hope that by next year, we will be back to normal.  I understand lockdown fatigue, I wish I could punch coronavirus in the face.