(KNZA)--Organizers behind one of St. Joseph's biggest festivals have announced its suspension after 26 years.
The Allied Arts Council, in a press release, cited declining attendance and rising costs in their decision to suspend the Trails West! Festival.
Allied Arts Council Executive Director Teresa Fankhauser said the council decided it was time to explore new opportunities due to the change in how people consume their art and the number of outdoor arts experiences that are now available.
The release stated that the three-day festival, held annually since 1993 at Civic Center Park, was the largest arts festival in northwest Missouri, with more than 45,000 attendees at its peak and with an annual economic impact of over $1 million a year.
During the past several years, the annual downtown arts festival has seen declining numbers, with 10,000 people attending this year's event. Fankhauser said that’s when discussions began about suspending the festival to stop and take stock of its value.
Fankhauser said the Council wants to take time to assess what the city would like to see before moving forward with any new ideas.
© Many Signals Communcations
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Public health advisory issued for local lake
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
LATEST STORIES
Car-deer collision claims life of Holton woman
Atchison Co vets to honor comrades Monday
Richardson County Board receives organization updates
Only minor flooding continues along Missouri River
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
KS DCF provides dollars for youth lunch
USD 415 board holds special meeting