For the first time in its 67-year history, the Gwynn’s Island Festival was completely cancelled because of the threat for severe weather conditions.

According to festival coordinator Cricket Call, the decision was made early Saturday morning to cancel activities, and it’s unlikely organizers will be able to reschedule it this year. She said the safety of vendors and guests was paramount in making the decision.

According to vendor chairperson Brenda Rice, a handful of volunteers huddled underneath a large tent about 6:15 a.m. Saturday. “Although we usually try to run the festival rain or shine, at about 7:15 (Saturday) morning, the Mathews County Sheriff came to the Civic League grounds and advised us that damaging winds and lightning were to be expected by noon,” Rice said. “A decision was made by the Civic League Association to do our best to protect the safety of our vendors, their products and our visitors.”

According to Rice, several of the te...