Another popular festival has been canceled for a second consecutive year because of safety concerns in Minneapolis.
St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, organizer of the Taste of Greece festival, announced the cancellation last week on its festival website.
“Due to the recent unrest in the Uptown district and the realization that we would be unable to find a successful solution to ensure the safety and security of our festival guests, volunteers, and grounds, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s festival,” organizers said.
They plan to bring the festival back next September. Like most events, Taste of Greece was canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19.
This is at least the second festival to cancel this summer because of safety concerns. The Uptown Association canceled its annual Uptown Art Fair because of “several unanticipated challenges and events that are beyond our control,” including the inability to create “a safe and welcoming space.”
The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra canceled an outdoor performance in Minneapolis after gunshots were fired in the area.
According to the Associated Press, businesses in Uptown have also closed because they are worried about the safety of their customers.
The Uptown area has become a hotspot for lawlessness and violent crime ever since the June 3 death of Winston Smith, a 32-year-old man who was shot by federal agents in an Uptown parking ramp.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
