Newtown Cultural Arts Commission has made “the difficult decision,” Commission Chair Laura Lerman told The Newtown Bee this morning, to cancel the outdoor events planned at Fairfield Hills that were to be the bulk of the 2023 Newtown Arts Festival.

The decision was made “due to the impending weather forecast of heavy rain and potential high winds for Saturday and Sunday as well as potential thunderstorms,” according to a letter sent to the weekend’s vendors, which was shared by Lerman with this newspaper.

“We feel it is best to put safety first,” the letter continued.

Tonight’s Music Under the Stars concert, an performance by Red Matter scheduled for 7 pm, is still on, she confirmed.

Plans for tomorrow night’s Flagpole Radio Café featuring Loudon Wainwright III at Edmond Town Hall have not been changed, she added.

“Please come and join us for these amazing events,” the arts festival committee urged vendors and the public. “Thank you for your understanding and patience with us as this was an extremely difficult decision to make.”

Questions or concerns can be directed to newtownartsfestival@gmail.com.