WESTFIELD – In a press release, the 104th Fighter Wing announced the annual air show, originally scheduled for Aug. 14 and 15, was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Due to the unpredictable environment that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present, 104th Fighter Wing officials have made the difficult decision to cancel the scheduled 2021 Westfield International Air Show and Barnes Air National Guard Base Open House,” the release said.

In the release, Major Stephen Mindek, the project officer for the show, said the health of everyone involved is his biggest concern.

“Here at the 104th Fighter Wing, the health and safety of our community and our Barnestormers is our top priority,” he said.

Mindek thanked the community for their support and understanding of the cancellation.

“We understand what the air show means to the 104th and the surrounding communities; making the decision to cancel this community event was difficult but necessary. Thank you for your unwavering support of the 104th Fighter Wing,” he said.

No makeup date was given at the time of the release, but Mindek said he looked forward to a time when normal events can resume.

“We look forward to the next opportunity that we can safely host another Air Show and Open House here,” he said.

When contacted by Reminder Publishing, the 104th Fighter Wing declined to comment further on the cancellation.

The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce did not return a request for comment on the cancellation’s economic impact as of press time.