Chicago's Festivals Get Financial Trim

City cuts plans in budget struggle

Chicago's summers of fun may be just a touch less festive next year as city officials plan to shorten two
of the most popular free festivals being offered.

The Blues Fest and the Jazz Fest will be shortened to three days, rather than four, and the Chicago Sun-Times
reports that each of the popular festivals will have fewer stages than in previous years.

In addition to the two big ones affected by budget cuts, the Holiday Sports Festival, the Viva Latin Music Festival and the Celtic Fest will also be abbreviated.

A spokeswoman for the Mayor's Office of Special Events said that the city simply can't afford to continue hosting programs and festivals that don't bring in enough revenue to cover the costs of the events.

Megan McDonald said festivals will be condensed and operational changes will be made to cut costs further.

Copyright The Associated Press
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