SUBSCRIBE & WIN! Sign up for the Daily CHAT News Today Newsletter for a chance to win a $75 South Country Co-op gift card!

CHAT News File Photo
First time in event's history

Annual Garden Tour cancelled

Jun 3, 2020 | 12:38 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The flowers will still bloom and the gardens will no doubt be as beautiful as ever but the 2020 Annual Garden Tour will not take place.

The Medicine Hat & District Horticultural Association says it’s the first time the tour has been cancelled since the inaugural one in 1992.

“Due to Covid -19 restrictions, we cannot guarantee social distancing and crowd size at many of the gardens tentatively lined up for this year’s tour, since the tour is self-guided tour with patrons visiting gardens in a random order,” said Mel Deydey vice-president & director for media/communications.

Deydey also stated the tour, which was to take place on July 19, is the group’s main fundraiser and didn’t feel right asking for donations from people who may be struggling financially.

“With many people at home over the past two months, yards and gardens are looking more beautiful than ever. We encourage you to drive around Medicine Hat and enjoy all the beautiful front yards and “imagine” what the back yard looks like,” said Deydey, adding the tour will be back in 2021.