photo by: Mike Yoder/Journal-World File Photo

In this file photo from Aug. 23, 2015, a group of musicians jam together during the Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships in South Park.

One of Lawrence’s signature late summer events, the Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships, has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The event normally takes place the fourth weekend in August. This year, which would have been its 40th annual event, will be the first time in its history that it has been canceled for a reason not related to the weather, according to event organizers, who said they had hoped to be “spared from the fate of similar events around the country.”

Organizers said “uncertainty about the continued impact of COVID-19 on our community and our inability to guarantee your safety” drove the decision.

The next FidPick, as the event is nicknamed, is scheduled for Aug. 27, 2021.