Organisers of the Port Fairy Rod Run have made the call to not run the event in 2021, with the decision based on restrictions and concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event was to be held on the weekend of January 8-10, with this to be its 39^th staging.

More than 170 members of the South West Street Rodders, the group behind the event, converged on Port Fairy in January this year to show off their vehicles with a cruise through the towns streets.

They were joined by other car lovers on the Sunday, with 500 vehicles on display at a show and shine at Southcombe Park.

This show not only attracted thousands and provided a visitor boom for the town, but was also popular with the many tourists spending their summer holidays in Port Fairy.

South West Street Rodders social events coordinator Jack Arnel said his group had been informed that for many businesses in the town, the Sunday is their biggest day of trade each year outside of the folk festival.

Mr Arnel said the decision to cancel for 2020 had not been made lightly.

"Our main concern is the health of everyone involved, including our members and everyone in the community," Mr Arnel said.

"The street rod nationals were supposed to be held in Albury at Easter but they have pulled the pin so that was a big indicator for us.

"We are certainly planning to come back in 2022."

Port Fairy-based Moyne Shire councillor Jordan Lockett said he was disappointed the rod run would not go ahead in 2021.

Cr Lockett said he felt for the organising committee, who like many more in the community, work hard to bring events to life.

"It is a blow to miss out on events like this but everyone is keen to do the right thing and put safety first," Cr Lockett said.

"Event cancellations have become the new normal, life has changed.

"All these wonderful community events will happen again but it's just hard to be sure about when."