New London's Sailfest has been canceled this year, according to organizers.
Sailfest New London posted on its Facebook page Wednesday that the annual summer celebration would not be happening due to the city's budget constraints.
“Sailfest has been a cornerstone of New London’s summer for over four decades, bringing people together to celebrate our waterfront and community,” said Barbara J. Neff, Executive Director of Sailfest. “Unfortunately, due to budget limitations, the city is unable to provide the necessary funding for public safety measures that make this event possible.”
Sailfest has been a part of summers in New London for 45 years, bringing thousands of people to the city and the wider region every July.
Get top local stories in Connecticut delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC Connecticut's News Headlines newsletter.
The yearly celebration included food, rides, entertainment, and a fireworks show lighting up the sky over the Thames River.
New London Mayor Michael Passero said the fireworks will still go on as scheduled this year, thanks to assistance from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe.
According to organizers, a 2018 economic impact study found Sailfest generates about $58 million for the region over the festival weekend. Area restaurants, shops, hotels, and other businesses benefited from the influx of people to the region, they said.
Local
"The cancellation of this year’s event will undoubtedly be felt by the local economy. Organizers recognize the disappointment this news brings," the post said.
"The city met with the festival organizer yesterday to discuss how the increased public safety was going to be paid for and instead of engaging in weighing options the organizer decided to cancel the festival admitting that it was time," Passero said in a statement.
