Hartford's annual July 4 festival and fireworks show have been canceled because the city and neighboring East Hartford cannot afford it.Riverfest is billed as Connecticut's largest Independence Day celebration and is usually held a week after the holiday. It was scheduled for July 7 to 9, with the fireworks show over the Connecticut River planned for the final night.
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc say in a statement that they could not justify such a substantial expense when the city and town have to make "painful" spending cuts because of budget problems. Riverfest costs about $100,000.
Officials say the Riverfest Food Truck Festival in Hartford is still on for July 7 to 9.
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