The Ten Thousand Villages craft sale in 100 Mile House has been a much anticipated annual pre-Christmas tradition since about 1993, but there will be no sale this year.
Pete Penner, who usually organizes the event, finds himself unable to manage it this year without the help of his wife, Clarice, who recently underwent back surgery.
He was unsuccessful in finding a replacement, so his only option was to cancel.
"I needed someone who had previous experience with the sale and I want a certain spirit there. It's not so much commercial, as it is serving people.
“We're going to miss it. It's something we looked forward to every year."
Cariboo Bethel Church in Williams Lake will hold its own Ten Thousand Villages craft sale on Nov. 22-23 from 3 to 8 p.m., and on Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Online purchases can also be made at www.tenthousandvillages.ca.