Another annual event has fallen prey to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Candlewood Amateur Radio Association (CARA) had hoped to present its annual Western Connecticut Hamfest on Sunday, August 23, at Edmond Town Hall. Instead the event has been canceled.

In an August 11 e-mail, event chair and CARA Vice President John Morelli said the decision was made due to COVID-19 “and our wishes to keep our supporters, vendors, and membership safe and healthy.”

The event has been presented in the gymnasium and rear parking lot of Edmond Town Hall for nearly 30 years. It regularly offers commercial vendors and tailgating, ham radio equipment and computer gear, demonstrations, a forum, door prizes, and refreshments.

Even before arrival at 45 Main Street, attendants could tune in to a talk-in on CARA’s repeater.

Morelli pointed out in his e-mail that Hamfest is CARA’s major fundraising event. As a result, the decision to cancel “will have a major effect on the organization’s ability to support our normal schedule of events.”

The CARA club is a sponsor and supporter of the CARA repeater system (W1QI) in the Danbury and western Connecticut area, several educational and public service events held in northern Fairfield County, and sponsor of a fall Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) forum, among other events and programs.

“We thank all of our supporters, vendors and membership for your dedication to the community and radio sport,” Morelli said.

The Candlewood Amateur Radio Association is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Morelli said the group will be back in 2021, when it will once again present the “Biggest Little Hamfest in Western Connecticut.”