UPDATE: Brighton Jubilee Canceled Due To Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene has claimed it’s first victim.

Minutes after Sheepshead Bites posted that the Brighton Beach Neighborhood Association’s annual Brighton Jubilee would go forward despite the hurricane, executive director Pat Singer made a snap decision to call off the event for safety reasons.

Singer said she consulted with authorities at the 60th Precinct – as well as got an earful from worried vendors – and decided that calling off the event was in everyone’s best interest.

“It could be dangerous,” Singer said. “I don’t want to put people in danger. It’s just disappointing because I look forward to it as much as anyone else. But it’s the right thing to do.”

Since the BNA canceled the event and not the city, Singer isn’t sure the rain date is a definite. But she believes the city will honor their commitment, and she’s requesting a date in mid-September. Besides, she said, better weather will mean more attendees, and that’s what event vendors look forward to.

“It’s a win-win if I do it this way,” she said. “Everyone has a chance to make money.”