In an announcement issued on Sept. 16, the Oxford Fire Company announced that its slated October ham and oyster dinner has been canceled.

“It is with extreme regret we must announce the Ham and Oyster for this October had to be canceled,” wrote Brian Brown of the Oxford Fire Company. “We recognize the impact this will have with our members, as well as what has become a local tradition in our community. With that said, we were unable to secure oysters through our normal vendor, and oysters through other sources were almost double the price, or even up to $100 per gallon.

“As the years pass, our profits diminish as our customer numbers diminish,” Brown added. “Between the diminishing customer base and extreme increase in price/availability, the board of directors thought it best to cancel this event before we take a loss on the event. We are still looking forward to our winter Ham and Oyster at this time, when our normal vendor can be once again used.”