Rochester, N.Y. -- Rochester’s popular East End Festivals may not continue after this summer, according to organizers. If they do go on, they’ll be smaller and quieter.
After complaints from businesses that have opened in the area over the last five years, the festival "reinvent itself if it's to continue” said sponsor John Hutchings of the Downtown Fitness Club in a text message.
Hutchings said the pressure from the small group of businesses became to too great. He said athough the event has the support from the city, the organizers decided changes will be needed.
The festivals take place on three Friday evenings in the summer and draw thousands of people downtown. Most of the attendees are people in their 20s and 30s. There are several music stages and East Avenue is blocked from Scio to Chestnut. Beer trucks also line the street, giving the festival a party-like reputation.
Mike O’Leary, owner of Temple Bar and Grill, has been involved in planning East End Festivals for almost two decades. “They won’t be the same in the future. They’re over as people know them.”
O’Leary said he believes the festivals will continue and retain the name, but there will be fewer stages and streets blocked off and the event will be “more sensitive to neighbors.”
O’Leary said no one complained about the Jazz Festival, which went on for ten days.
