Port Credit Buskerfest, a summer fixture on Mississauga's waterfront for nearly two decades, will not return. Organizers say the festival is ending after 19 years because major financial sponsors have pulled out.
Festival producer Karen Cecy announced the cancellation in a post on the festival's Facebook page on Jan. 19, INsauga reported. She said the loss of key funding, along with the wider economic climate, left organizers with no way to carry on.
Unfortunately, two of our major funders have decided to withdraw their support, and without their contribution, combined with the current economic climate, it is impossible for us to move forward any longer.
— Karen Cecy, producer, Port Credit Buskerfest
Rather than seek more support, organizers decided to end the festival, INsauga reported.
A free festival on the street
Buskerfest was held every August along Lakeshore Road and in Port Credit Memorial Park and drew about 50,000 people each summer. Admission was free, and the festival was built around roaming street performers whose music, comedy, magic and juggling often drew the audience into the act.
Part of a wider trend
Buskerfest is the latest Port Credit festival to fall away in recent years. The Waterfront Festival was cancelled in 2022 after a 25-year run. Last year, the Paint the Town Red Canada Day celebration was cancelled suddenly, and the community then rallied to put on a replacement event.
Some events have held on or appeared in that time. The Southside Shuffle continues, and Port Credit Ribfest has joined the area's summer lineup. Elsewhere in the region, Burlington's Sound of Music festival has also come to an end, although a replacement event is expected.
In her message, Cecy thanked supporters and said she finds peace in knowing the festival's memories will live on.
