The approach of Hurricane Joaquin raised safety concerns, police say.
Predictions of rain and the possibility Hurricane Joaquin's landfall has put the kibosh on the ninth annual Hackettstown Community Day, according to town police.
Hurricane Joaquin, as captured by the GOES-West satellite on Oct. 1. (NOAA)The festivities -- run by the local police, Lowe's and Mars Chocolate North America -- had been scheduled to run 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Lowe's parking lot on Mountain Avenue.
The Hackettstown Business Improvement District said thousands attended last year.
Police cited uncertainty around Joaquin's approach, as well as a forecast already calling for rain, as reasons for the cancellation. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday declared a state of emergency as meteorologists continue to determine the hurricane's path.
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"The safety of all attendees is of the utmost importance and although we regret having to cancel the event, we look forward bringing community day back in 2016," town police said in a news release Thursday.
Police said that anyone who won QuickChek gift cards can pick them up starting Monday at the police station, 215 W. Stiger St.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.