RENFREW – For the second year in a row, one of the only music festivals dedicated to bluegrass music in the area, is a COVID-19 casualty.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shut down the 2021 Bluegrass Festival in Renfrew organizers announced this week. The festival was a long-time staple of Horton Township, held on Bob Johnston’s farm for many years.

In the last couple of years the Town of Renfrew took over the organization of the event, but has now had to cancel it two years in a row due to COVID-19.

The town made the announcement yesterday (Feb. 24) morning releasing a small statement on social medi. The Renfrew Bluegrass Festival will return July 7 to 10 in 2022.