Community Center cancels Smoke on the Square

The Community Center of Hope announced on social media Thursday that it would not be holding Smoke on the Square this year. 

Originally scheduled for May, then rescheduled for August, organizers threw in the towel this week. 

"We at the Community Center wanted this very important event to happen and it saddens us to do this. This was to be our 10th year . We also depend on the funds raised from events like these.

"This is hard for us as well. Please refrain from negative comments. We are disappointed as well. We will come back stronger then ever."

Jeff Yarnell with the Community Center said there were several reasons for the decision:

1. Big meat prices have literally doubled.We want people to come and enjoy our event and know how much we would have to charge to make any profit. We don’t feel comfortable doing that to the public.
2. Lack of sponsorship due to COVID-19
3. I had a garage fire and it damaged my smoker. At minimum some wiring and new parts are needed and are hard to get.
4. Not knowing if the crowds will come.