Palm Springs denies permit for a reoccurring art festival
The Desert Arts Festival is usually held on several different weekends, bringing in about over 10,000 to Frances Stevens Park near downtown Palm Springs, but that may change in the near future.
The city is denying the festival's permits for March saying it has outgrown its location. Local artists who depend on this festival say they are stunned by the city's changes.
"This is a sadness to us, this corner of Palm Springs has been known for the art community over many many years since the building was dedicated to the arts this is the lessening of that collaboration," said Ian Cooke, President of the Desert Art Center.
Cooke, a teacher at the Desert Art Center, says he was surprised by the decision of the city denying permits for March's event. The event has been part of the city for the past 30 years.
"When the art festival happens on the corner near us it brings customers into our gallery and our customers visit the art festival," Cooke said.
Ronda Mills, head organizer of the festival, says she's was in shock after receiving an email from the city less than a month from her next event.
The email reading in part "Unfortunately, Frances Stevens Park is no longer an option… we do want to continue to see your events happening in the city."
Mills says her request for permits were done a year in advance and advertisements have already been distributed. Additionally, all partnerships would be impacted.
"West Coast Artists is a non-profit organization and we also give funds to the two nonprofit organizations here at the park, the Palm Canyon Theater, the Desert Art Center. They would not get their donations any longer," Miller said.
According to the city of Palm Springs, during February's event vendor cars were parked along Alejo Road which brought traffic concerns to those traveling downtown.
"We're just concern with the new traffic patterns on Indian Canyon and the new median on Alejo Road the traffic patterns are too compacted there with that event, it has outgrown that space," said David Ready, City Manager for Palm Springs.
Ready says safety is their primary concern. The city has offered an alternative location for the festival, Ruth Hardy Park, which is a few blocks away from Frances Steven Park.
Mills isn't a fan of the possible new location.
"There's no place for the community to park, it would be impossible for us to change the advertising at this point," Mills said.
Organizers say they are still in contact with the city and are hoping there will be a change in their decision by Monday. Otherwise, they will cancel the event.
