The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another major Yukon entertainment event.

Today, the Dawson City Music Festival Association (DCMF) announced the cancellation of its summer 2020 event.

The Yukon’s longest-running music festival, which brings together more than 1,000 attendees for performances of all genres, has been called off for the first time in its 42-year history.

It had been scheduled to take place July 17 to 19.

Organizers said the decision was made “with a dedicated regard for the health and safety of festival-goers, Dawson residents, and the territory as a whole.”

A statement on the DCMF website references the first round of performers who would have been announced for this year’s Festival.

“2020 would have been a year to remember – Begonia, Cartel Madras, and Zaki Ibrahim are just a few of the artists who were looking forward to heading north.”

Ticket holders will be notified of their options via email. Choices will include a full refund.

The DCMF, a non-profit, charitable organization, is encouraging attendees who are able to consider donating their ticket as a tax-deductible contribution to the association.

“Our priority is the well-being of festival-goers, performers, volunteers, staff, and our community,” organizers said.

“Understandably, there is no clear timeline regarding the lift of public gathering restrictions, social distancing practices, and self-isolation measures and therefore we are not able to responsibly move ahead with the production of the festival,” said Andrea Vincent, the festival’s executive director.

“We are confident that we will successfully navigate these difficult times and look forward to hosting the festival when it is safe to do so.”