Elk Grove’s annual Western Festival is canceled with less than two weeks’ notice. Here’s why

There won’t be cowboy hats and denim jackets hanging out at Elk Grove Park this year following the cancellation of the city’s annual Western Festival, which had been set for the first weekend of May.

Elk Grove Western Festival president Ken Johnston was sent a letter from Cosumnes Community Services District formally terminating their partnership.

According to the letter, dated Monday and signed by Cosumnes CSD general manager Phil Lewis, documents required to proceed with the event per their agreement were never provided despite “multiple extensions.”

“The agreement clearly states the requirement of permitting and licensing from public agencies for the purpose of ensuring public health and safety, as well as a Certificate of Insurance, with a documentation deadline of April 5, 2024,” Lewis wrote in the termination letter. “Unfortunately, your organization has failed to provide the required documents for this event. Thus, leaving no alternative but to terminate the agreement.”

According to the festival’s website, the annual event was first organized in 1957 by a group of parents from Elk Grove Elementary School who held the event every first weekend of May. The festival was canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2024 event was initially scheduled for May 4 and May 5, set to offer activities, games, food and live performances by the Eagle Stone Riders, Moonshine and Honey, J. Black Entertainment and the River Bandits.

Elk Grove Western Festival organizers did not immediately respond to The Sacramento Bee’s emailed request for comment. The festival’s website as of Wednesday morning did not reflect the cancellation.

“We understand how much the Elk Grove Western Festival means to the community, and we share in the disappointment that its cancellation may bring,” Lewis said in an email to The Bee.

“Despite our hopes for its continuation, the decision to terminate the agreement was made due to non-compliance with the outlined terms, despite two extensions given to the festival committee to fulfill its requirements to ensure public health and safety. The safety and well-being of all participants and attendees remain our top priority. We hope to work together to ensure that future events can be held safely and successfully.”