It’s official. The 2023 FIBArk– its 75th-anniversary celebration — will have no carnival. Arguments were heard going on on Sackett Street between the carnival owner and at least one nearby business or resident while the carnival was setting up.
The carnival trucks just as quickly started pulling out of town in the afternoon, seen heading south on D Street for parts unknown.
In an announcement from the FIBArk Kickoff Party stage, FIBArk President Lindsay Sutton-Stephens confirmed Wednesday night that the much-anticipated FIBArk carnival had been canceled for this year.
Sutton-Stephens did not provide details in this evolving story apart from referring to the dispute earlier in the day. According to their press release, “They (carnival organizers) are leaving due to these few individuals’ inability to adapt to this once-a-year event.” AVV has been unable to confirm details but Sutton-Stephens pointed out that new arrivals to Salida might have caused this said that some people may have lost the meaning of what FIBArk is all about.
While no fingers were pointed at residents/property owners, FIBArk representative Lindsey Sutton-Stephens did say on stage they know who is involved.
“Our hearts are broken,” read a FIBArk Facebook post. People at High Side! for the FIBArk kickoff party were clearly not happy at the news, though word had already gotten around before the party.
The economic impact of the pullout is yet to be calculated. According to Sutton-Stephens thousands of dollars worth of day passes had been pre-sold and buyers will receive a refund. Food and beverage vendors will feel the direct effects and most of all, families with children and those traveling from out of town face disappointment. The fate of employees of the carnival are also unknown as are the contractual positions of both FIBArk and the carnival owners.
Clearly, the message from Sutton-Stephens was that the 75th Diamond Anniversary of FIBArk will go on, and with more events in more venues than anyone could all take in.
Featured image: Sackett Street where the carnival was to be set up, now sits empty for the 2023 FIBArk. PHoto by Merrell Bergin.
No need to dig up Sherlock Holmes, pretty obvious who complained. The folks in question paid some hefty bucks for those riverfront condos, they feel, nay, demand respect, and several places to lay blame. I moved here 6 years ago, and in that time, have seen a big transition in our city. I feel I “just got in under the wire”, retiring here. I too was shocked, even though I stay clear of the festivities, I live here, I don’t need a celebration, but, it was a bit shortsighted to inundate the area, in addition to the festival, with a carnival until all hours, and what goes on at closing time,, times have changed, set it up at the ball park, or across the river. I have several “native” friends, who grew up here, and were also heartbroken, but welcome to the “20s”, and the tip of the iceberg as far as what we held dear and what’s next. The other thing, is whether we like it or not, money rules the roost, and those condos add a healthy tax base to the city, not to mention the increased property and rental costs. Affordable rentals here are clearly on the way out. I’m surprised the city didn’t take a more firm stand,”okay, we’ll take care of it next year”, in the meantime, the city weighed the issues, and decided to lose a ton of money instead, imagine the loss, the city workers time, the police, the vendors and just to keep those people happy. WOW! I’m 68 years old and never thought I’d see this. Thanks for listening.
This is another example of out of staters ruining towns like Salida by overpricing and their yuppie ways of living.
PEOPLE CAN’T AFFORD LIVING THERE ANYMORE.
It should be public record of the people involved in this situation. They know the details so what are they, what is to hide. Things are what they are. If newbie’s are involved in local traditions then they should know their place like it or not. These idiots have taken away the ambiance of Fibark and that is what is so disappointing. Do you actually think they are going to show up next and the year after I don’t think so cause in the carnival circle the word will get out and if by chance we do find somebody it will be so small it will be a joke. Why didn’t somebody from the Fibark committee get involved in this issue, where was anybody before it got to this point. So disappointed!!!!!!!!!!!!
Respectfully this is public information, they should list the residents individuals who caused the Carnival etc to leave so people of Salida can complain for ruining economic impact amongst the town and individuals themselves.
Once again the narrow minded few take over for the open minded many.