— Daily Freeman-Journal file photo Members of the Doodle Bug Club of America ride the Boone River Recreational Trail at the 2017 Doodle Bug Reunion. This year’s event, seheduled for Sept. 16-19, has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

September usually means that Webster City is abuzz with the sounds of Doodle Bug engines humming around town. But not this year.

The annual Doodle Bug reunion was scheduled to take place Sept. 16 to 19, but officials with the Doodlebug Club of America announced Monday that the event would be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We just didn’t believe that we could safely hold the reunion,” said Jerry Wells, one of the organizers of the annual event.

Wells said the decision was difficult because the group had already heard from many members from around the country who were planning to attend. The reunion typically draws attendees from dozens of states who bring their scooters to Webster City for several days of riding, reminiscing and reconnecting.

“We’ll have to call them back and let them know,” Wells said.

The Doodle Bug motor scooter was built from 1946 to 1948 by the Beam Manufacturing Company in Webster City. They were sold through the Gambles Stores. The small inexpensive scooters were sold for as little as $69.95, according to the Doodle Bug Club of America’s website. The little red scooters are now prized by collectors.

Wells said the group is planning to host the reunion next year.

“We’re hoping for a really great reunion in 2021,” he said.