Released by the City of Tyler:
Saturday's 26th
Annual Festival on the Square concert has been canceled due to wet conditions.
The decision to cancel was made at approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday.
"Our
volunteers started setting up the event last night and continued very early
this morning into the late afternoon," said City of Tyler Main Street
Department Leader Beverly Abell. "But the standing water became a major safety
issue for our sound, lights, stage and band people. Rain and electronics just
do not mix, and we were not about to jeopardize anyone's safety."
The concert,
which is a major fundraiser for the Main Street Department, was to feature a
line-up of four bands, including headliner Cody Canada and The Departed.
Abell said
those who purchased advance tickets may get refunds from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 5
p.m. Friday at Gallery Main Street, 110 W. Erwin St.
"This is a
major blow for us," Abell said. "Certainly our department will feel the impact
of the lost funding, but moreover, I hate that our hard-working volunteers
couldn't see the fruit of their labors. They put in an incredible amount of
hours and effort, and we appreciate them so much."
Abell also
commended FOS sponsors GG Distributing, R&K Distributors, Coors of
Longview, TEDC, Piney Woods Live, Brookshire's, Coca-Cola and Jason Woodward Photography.
"These
sponsors support us year in and year out, and we couldn't bring these events to
the public without them," Abell said. "We hope that those who appreciate live
music and downtown revitalization will reach out and thank these groups."
