Smithfield VA Events has canceled its 2022 BOB Fest in light of the surge in COVID-19 cases Isle of Wight County has seen in December and early January.

This year’s BOB Fest — an acronym for Bloody Marys, oysters and barbecue — had been scheduled for Jan. 15 at the 18th-century homestead of Smithfield founder Arthur Smith. The event typically features an all-you-can-eat party from noon to 4 p.m. and an 8-kilometer race.

“We were hopeful when, in late October, we chose to move forward with this event, that a winter wave of increased COVID cases would not occur,” states Smithfield VA Events’ website. “Although the impact and velocity of that is still questionable, the risks of conducting a large indoor crowded event that meets our high standards of quality in a few weeks is too great.”

In October, Smithfield VA Events’ annual Bacon, Bourbon & Music Fest returned to Windsor Castle Park, bringing roughly 3,300 attendees — but that event was held outdoors.

Although general admission tickets were originally non-refundable, Smithfield VA Events will be contacting all who purchased tickets, tables and sponsorships to discuss refund options. Attendees will have the option of receiving a full refund, a transfer to next year’s BOB Fest on Jan. 14, 2023, or counting their purchase as a tax-deductible donation, since Smithfield VA Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Smithfield VA Events still plans to have its April 9 Wine & Brew Fest. Early-bird tickets are on sale now, and general admission tickets will go on sale Feb. 16 and 17.