Norwich — The Rose Arts Festival scheduled for June 27 and all events associated with the event have been canceled, organizers announced.

“It is with heavy but loving hearts that we formally announce the cancellation of the Rose Arts Festival, Rose Court, and Races for 2020,” festival co-chairwoman Danielle Dubro said in a statement. “Optimism has kept us busy planning for this June, but we recognize the most responsible choice is to cancel and set our sights on June 26, 2021.”

Dubro said the Rose Arts Committee still wanted to recognize men and women who work to make Norwich a better community, so the submitted nominations for Hometown Heroes will be reviewed and announced virtually. In partnership with Norwich Public Utilities, winners will be mailed commemorative gifts.

The committee also wanted to continue to inspire the community to express themselves through art during the COVID-19 emergency. In partnership with sponsors Chinigo, Leone, & Maruzo law firm and Eliza Huntington Memorial Home, the committee is preparing bags of arts and craft supplies for distribution to residents.

“We hope that in this unprecedented time, we all take the time to stop and smell the roses,” Dubro said in the statement. “In fact, the committee will continue to plant some seeds of hope for you to enjoy as you walk about town.”