The Boothbay Region Garden Club has announced that its annual Home and Garden Tour scheduled for July has been canceled.

In notice to the newspaper on Thursday, April 23, tour co-chairs Irene Gerny and Pat McMurry said the ninth annual event will not be held because of the coronavirus and that the “well-being and safety of our volunteers, homeowners and guests takes precedence over personal feelings and loss of income.” The co-chairs said “the decision was not made easily, but with sadness, regret, and much consternation.”

Last year, nearly 500 guests took part in the tour, which is usually held in mid-July, and includes over 100 volunteers during the one-day event.

“We hope to see you in 2021! Best wishes for staying healthy, positive and planting a lovely garden,” read the notice.