No Riverfest for 2015

There will not be a RiverFest this year as Gadsden city officials say they need additional time to consider the event’s future.

According to Mayor Sherman Guyton,  the City Council has decided against granting the rights to the event to the RiverFest Community and Economic Development Corp.

The group had hoped to turn the event into a combination event featuring Christian, rock and country artists, with a lower admission price.

Guyton said he and the council had decided against having the event this year, and won’t be turning over the rights to anyone right now.

He said he hopes the popular festival can return in 2016.

The RiverFest Community and Economic Development Corp., a nonprofit group, asked the council in September for the rights to the RiverFest name for one year to present a festivals. It asked the city for security from the Gadsden Police Department and help from the public works and parks and recreation departments, but no direct financial support.

The group had hoped for a decision in December, so it could begin making plans for an event in 2015.