Hay River鈥檚 annual music, arts and cultural festival will not take place this summer, according to a statement from the organizers.

The Rotary Club of Hay River Sunrise confirmed in a news release on June 9 that the Hay Days Festival will not be taking place this year due to a decline in active membership in the club.

鈥淔ollowing four very successful, exciting and expanding festivals, it is with heavy hearts that the management committee of Hay Days Festival 鈥� 鈥榯he South Slave鈥檚 premiere music, arts and cultural festival鈥� 鈥� have made the decision to postpone hosting the next festival until 2023,鈥� the statement reads. 鈥淭his additional time will allow the Rotary Club of Hay River Sunrise to actively recruit new membership and fill a number of key management roles that were vacated earlier this year.鈥�

The club says the decrease in membership is due to multiple factors, including aging demographics, Covid-19 restrictions that discouraged and complicated community involvement and vacant management roles. In particular, the club鈥檚 president, Peter Magill, passed away in April.

鈥淭he management committee has unwavering pride and belief in this festival and the benefits brought to the community and region as a whole, and with that in mind wants to ensure the same diverse and high quality series of events for future celebrations,鈥� the June 9 statement reads. 鈥淭his gap year will prepare and bring all committee members up to speed with the organizational, financial and personnel requirements required for continued success in the future.鈥�