Courtesy of Abbey Road On The River Originally published on January 29, 2021 12:50 pm Fairs and festivals play an important role in the culture and economy of communities across the Midwest. But the continued prevalence of COVID-19 could put them in jeopardy again in 2021. People have flocked to southern Indiana for more than 40 years for the Starlight Strawberry Festival. The event has many hallmarks of traditional small-town celebrations, along with its build your own strawberry shortcake bar. But that changed last year when the festival was called off due to COVID-19. Organizers recently announced that the event will be canceled again this year.