The coronavirus pandemic has claimed one of the most ballyhooed community events of the year in Wilmington as organizers of St. Anthony’s Italian Festival have decided to cancel this year’s celebration.

This year’s celebration of culture, food and fun was set for June 7-14. Organizers announced on the festival’s Facebook page that restrictions aimed at reducing the threat of the public health danger have already cut into preparation time and would make it not feasible to hold this year’s event.