Kensington’s Sun and Salsa Festival cancelled for 2015

CALGARY – A popular July street festival that many residents call a Kensington “staple” has been cancelled for 2015, and there’s no guarantee it will return.

The one-day Sun and Salsa Festival will be cancelled in order to put on a series of events throughout the year, which will give more “opportunity to expand,” said a Kensington BRZ spokesperson.

“We value input from businesses, area residents, sponsors and we have heard from everybody, and consistently people have requested more programming throughout the summer rather than just one festival,” said Ellen Parker.

“We will re-evaluate its permanent future at a later date.”

The festival has been active for two decades, at times attracting nearly 100,000 people.

“I grew up in this community; it’s been a tradition,” said area resident Stephen Fanstone. “It was nice to see neighbors experiencing it.”

The repaving of sidewalks and upgrades to streetlights are part of the construction cited as another factor in the decision to cancel the festival.

“I’m quite disappointed as a resident, but I understand it wasn’t creating money and returns,” said resident Daryl O’Dowd. “Boy, I certainly would miss it. I am a real fan.”

 With files from Erika Tucker