King County Cancels 'CHOMP!' Festival Amid Delta Surge

REDMOND, WA — King County's annual "CHOMP!" food festival is on hold for another year, with organizers citing the delta-fueled surge in COVID-19 cases across Western Washington. The celebration was scheduled to take place at Marymoor Park on Saturday. The festival began in 2015 as a way to celebrate locals farmers, chefs and restaurants.

"King County made plans to host the event in-person again this year back in the spring when COVID-19 cases were significantly lower," officials wrote Monday. "Unfortunately, over the last few weeks the region has seen the delta variant quickly spread. Based on current conditions, King County Parks believes that risk is too high for the event to continue."

Parks officials said organizers felt it was especially important to cancel the event to protect children's health since those under 12 are not currently eligible for vaccination.

"CHOMP! is one of the best family-friendly events around, and we were excited to come together this summer and celebrate the very best local fresh food, amazing live music, and fun interactive experiences that [have] made CHOMP! such a special day," said Warren Jimenez, director of King County Parks. "Our highest priority, however, is the health of our community members, performers, vendors and Parks staff, and canceling the event is the right thing to do."

Organizers hope to bring the event back next summer.