MURILLO, Ont. – CountryFest is on hold for at least a year.
Organizers on Tuesday night announced that rising costs and a lack of secure financing forced them to cancel this summer’s event, allowing them more time to secure the proper funding to bring back the popular event in future years.
“The community’s interest and anticipation about the event has been significant with many messages and emails asking about the 2018 dates and ticket sales. Although the opportunity in front of us was strong, the logistical and financial risk in hosting the festival this year was too great,” said Encore Entertainment’s Dave Allen, in a release issued to local media.
“In order for festivals of this size to succeed, there has to be support on many levels, from community, government and sponsors, there are many pieces to the puzzle behind the scenes.”
Allen went on to say he’s disappointed, but thinks it can be revived in the future.
Last year’s event, held at the Murillo Fairgrounds, attracted a dozen bands and 6,000 fans over the two-day event.
“It was truly an amazing weekend,” Allen said.
