Sailfest, a New London tradition for 45 years, cancelled due to budget challenges
NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) — New London's premier summertime event is going to look a bit different this year.
The food, the rides, the games. That was all part of Sailfest for the last 45 years.
But according to the event organizer, Barbara Neff, the waterfront festival which drew hundreds of thousands to downtown New London has been cancelled.
'It's more like it was just overwhelming to come down for me,' said New London resident Christy Henderson who didn't love the crowds. 'So I'm not that heartbroken about it.'
In a press release Neff said 'The decision comes as the City of New London faces financial budget challenges that limit the funding availability of critical resources, including police, fire, and public works support, which are essential to ensuring a safe and successful event.'
'This particular partner decided they wanted out,' said Mayor Michael Passero, (D) New London.
He says talks had just begun about the city services needed to ensure a safe event.
The mayor says before the pandemic the festival organizer would contribute to those annual efforts so that may have been discussed again.
We reached out to Barbara Neff but haven't heard back.
'I'm not going to worry about it because New London can't… you can't survive and exist down here just because of Sailfest,' said Dave Pollock who owns The Diamond, a pizzeria on Bank Street.
'More people did come through the doors that didn't before,' said Lakisha Moon Lee who owns the fair trade store Colours of Life.
'The summertime is our busiest season anyway so we're just doing our best to continue to promote downtown New London,' said Lee.
For many years during Sailfest, City Pier was filled with vendors and rides but this year none of them will set up shop there.
They will however continue to set up a barge in the Thames River for the Saturday night fireworks spectacular which brings in much of the crowds.
The Mashantucket Pequots first sponsored the fireworks in 1980 as a way to give back to the community. This year they will light up the sky on July 12.
'They're generous donation of the largest fireworks display on the east coast will be happening that same Saturday night,' said Mayor Passero.
The mayor says the city will provide the same city services to again ensure a fun and safe event.
'We just stood on the porch and watched them,' said New London resident Francis Grace. 'Watched them from the porch yeah,' added Henderson. 'So that was nice. It was beautiful actually.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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