New London's Sailfest Canceled After 45 Years Running

NEW LONDON, CT — Sailfest, a popular annual event that's attracted thousands of visitors for the last 45 years, will be canceled this year.

The move comes "due to the city’s budget constraints affecting public safety and city services," according to a Facebook post from the organization.

“Sailfest has been a cornerstone of New London’s summer for over four decades, bringing people together to celebrate our waterfront and community,” Barbara J. Neff, executive director of Sailfest, said in the post. “Unfortunately, due to budget limitations, the city is unable to provide the necessary funding for public safety measures that make this event possible.”

The City of New London is facing funding issues that affect the availability of "critical resources" like police, fire, and public works, which "are essential to ensuring a safe and successful event."

The annual festival features a fireworks display, live entertainment, and a variety of vendors. A 2018 economic impact study found that the event generates approximately $58 million in revenue for the region over the course of the festival weekend, benefiting local businesses, according to Sailfest.

New London will still have three other fireworks displays this year sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino.