VIDALIA, Ga. (AP) — Automatic spending cuts by the federal government have forced the Blue Angels to pull out of this year's Vidalia Onion Festival.

The U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron Wednesday announced it had to cancel its appearance at the festival — which was scheduled for April 20 and 21. Event organizer Randy Harrell, of Clyde Masters Productions LLC, says the decision wasn't up the Blue Angels or festival organizers.

The Vidalia Onion Festival is scheduled for April 18 through 21 and will include performances by the Charlie Daniels Band, Lyons, Ga. native Craig Campbell and a parade.

The Vidalia Onion Festival — a harvest celebration for Georgia's official state vegetable — has been featured on The Food Network and MSNBC.

Vidalia is about 80 miles west of Savannah.