The Western Festival has once again been cancelled.

This year’s event was planned on May 2-4 at Elk Grove Regional Park, but according to a statement issued by Western Festival President Lynden King, the festival organizers were unable to meet certain deadlines to move forward with the event.

King was not immediately available for comment.

“The Western Festival committee has decided with much regret to cancel this year’s event,” King wrote in a statement issued Thursday. “The Cosumnes Community Service District and the Western Festival board have agreed that some of the deadlines set for the Western Festival have not been met for this year. Some of the processes are taking longer than in past years due to the amount of work because of new regulations.”

The festival, usually scheduled for the first weekend in May, was last held in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic put the event on pause. A return was planned in 2024, but the district revoked authorization less than two weeks before the event, citing organizers’ failure to get proper permits and licenses in time, including a required certificate of insurance.

As recently as Feb. 10, festival organizers wrote that they are still working through paperwork with the Cosumnes Community Service District and were “hopeful” that they will be able to host the festival this year.

"Generations of Elk Grove residents have enjoyed the Western Festival for more than 60 years," Cosumnes CSD Parks & Recreation Administrator Traci Farris said in a statement. "We understand and share the disappointment of this year's cancellation. Careful planning and adherence to established safety requirements are essential for large-scale community events. As stewards of public spaces and services, our priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees, participants, and the broader community. We value our partnership with the Western Festival committee and look forward to the festival's return in 2026."

The news of this year’s cancellation was met with an outpouring of disappointment on Facebook.

“I am so sad an Elk Grove tradition has been lost,” Carly Amundson wrote on Facebook.

Rafael A. Prado wrote that while he believes the board’s hearts are in the right place, it might be the right time to “put the last nail in the Elk Grove Western Festival’s coffin.”

“After six years, there doesn’t seem to be enough momentum or perhaps volunteer interest to make it happen,” Prado wrote. “Sometimes, things from the past need to be just memories, and not allowed or even worth continuing.”

According to the Elk Grove Historical Society, the Western Festival was created by a group of Elk Grove Elementary parents in 1957, reaching its 60-year anniversary in 2017. The event would include Parades, the selection of festival royalty, and other events.

President Ronald Reagan famously participated in the event in 1966 as Parade Marshall.

King requested that anyone looking to volunteer and participate with the event for 2026, email the committee and request to come to the board’s next meeting.

“There are a lot of good ideas that have been discussed for this year’s event,” King wrote. “That will continue to be a part of next year’s event. There are some exciting new things that we hope will happen. We look forward to seeing you in 2026.”

According to the festival’s website, the poster contest is still ongoing and the deadline to turn in entries is Feb. 28. The entries will be judged and recognized during the April 15, Elk Grove Unified School District meeting.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.