Merryspring Nature Center is canceling this year's Kitchen Tour, slated for August 7, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We cannot hold our Kitchen Tour this year owing to the timing and uncertainty of this pandemic," said Ray Andresen, president of Merryspring's Board of Trustees, in a news release. "The coronavirus hit right when we would normally be lining up houses and chefs for the Tour, putting us months behind schedule. Nobody knows what the situation might be like this summer. The health and safety of our guests and participants must be our first concern."

The Kitchen Tour, which features local chefs serving samples in new or renovated kitchens, usually draws more than 500 attendees. It is the largest annual fundraiser for Merryspring, according to the Nature Center.