Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - The 2024 CanalFest of the Tonawandas is still up in the air. While North Tonawanda has already greenlit the event, the City of Tonawanda has not approved the contract.
That could change at Tuesday's meeting.
"It comes down to finances, comes down to security, comes down to liability," said City of Tonawanda Mayor John White.
White says he would love 180,000 to come to his city during a week in July, but he and the council need to look at what they can do, and if it is going to hurt the city or cost additional money, He's also looking at the liability part.
White further adds the Erie County Sheriff's Office has offered support to assist, if needed.
North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec says it's a firm go for the North Tonawanda half.
"I'm pretty optimistic that Tonawanda will pass an agreement," said Tylec.
He says CanalFest leaders have made a lot of compromises to make this event happen.
"Closing off the Renaissance Bridge, both sides did requests that that wouldn't happen until the Sunday when CanalFest sort of kicks off, so it doesn't interfere with traffic to businesses, restaurants on the Friday and Saturday before. They agreed that rides wouldn't be operational until that Tuesday," Tylec said.
Tylec adds his city will have enough money to cover overtime for police to keep the event secure.
"It takes a lot of departments throughout the week for cleanup, safety, security, and so on. There's a cost on the city for that, and in my position and Mayor White's position, we want to make sure that we're trying to get reimbursed is as much as possible," Tylec said, adding the city is not looking to profit from the event.
Pete Chenier with CanalFest says he's optimistic the event will go on this summer, for the full eight days.
The Tonawanda Common Council is set to vote on the CanalFest contract on Tuesday.