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Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC), parent organization of the Stanly County Winter Wine Festival, announced Tuesday that it is canceling the festival originally scheduled for Feb. 27, 2021.

“The decision was not made lightly. The ADDC’s Board of Directors took many scenarios into consideration,” said Joy Almond, Main Street Manager for the City of Albemarle. “With the ongoing restrictions and safety precautions due to COVID-19, the health and safety of everyone involved with the Wine Festival – from vendors to volunteers and attendees, is of the utmost importance. It is unfortunate that we had to make the decision to cancel, but with the format of this event revolving around a social atmosphere where people gather in close quarters, the ADDC Board of Directors did not feel there was any other option.”

This is the first time the Stanly County Winter Wine Festival has been cancelled in its history. For 11 years, Stanly County Winter Wine Festival has been a staple of Albemarle and Stanly County – a celebration of the North Carolina wine industry that is attended by thousands from across the state.

As this event provides an opportunity for attendees to stock up on North Carolina wines, the ADDC Board is taking action to ensure they are still able to purchase and obtain their personal inventory through 2021. The ADDC will provide previous participating festival vendors with contact info of past ticket holders so that they can directly contact them to place orders.

“The ADDC’s Board of Directors would like to thank the thousands of faithful festival goers who have supported this event over the past 11 years,” said Board Chairperson Melanie Holles. “While it is regrettable to cancel an event that has become a Stanly County tradition, suspending the festival in 2021 is the responsible thing to do. We look forward to hosting a fun and safe event in February 2022.”