The bustling streets of Downtown Cincinnati were expected to be filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and the sizzle of grills this weekend. However, the sudden cancellation of Cincy Soul Fest left many Black-owned businesses scrambling to recover from unexpected financial losses.
Cincy Soul Fest, an event celebrating food, music, and culture, was promoted for weeks as a major opportunity for Black-owned businesses to thrive. Instead, vendors found themselves facing a challenging situation after the event was abruptly called off on Thursday afternoon.
Financial impact on vendors
For Jasmine Davis, owner of Sweet Jazz Treats Bakery the cancellation came as a significant blow. “This weekend was supposed to be a top money-making weekend, not just for me, but other Black-owned businesses,” Davis shared. Vendors had already invested in inventory and supplies, anticipating a profitable weekend.
The cancellation meant that vendors like Davis were left with unsold products and a substantial loss in potential earnings. “We’re losing out on thousands of dollars,” Davis stated, highlighting the severe financial impact on small businesses. As a single mother, Davis relies on her business as her sole income, making the cancellation even more challenging.
The city’s stance and organizers’ response
The cancellation of Cincy Soul Fest has sparked a debate between event organizers and the City of Cincinnati. Organizers accused the city of pressuring the private parking company hosting the festival into backing out. However, city officials denied these claims, stating that the weekend had been closed to new special event permits since February due to heavy demand on city resources.
In a statement, city officials explained that organizers applied for a permit in May but were denied. Despite this, organizers continued promoting the event, claiming it would remain under the attendance threshold requiring a special event permit. City officials also cited unresolved safety concerns, including crowd control measures, fencing, generators, and possible stage and electrical needs.
City Manager Sheryl Long emphasized the importance of adhering to rules regarding special events. “Rules regarding special events, including permitting, exist for a reason. We need to make sure everyone can enjoy what Cincinnati has to offer in a way that’s well-coordinated with City staff,” Long stated. She acknowledged the permitted food and vendor event adjacent to Paycor Stadium and other events taking place throughout Downtown.
Adapting to the situation
Despite the setback, vendors like Davis are determined to make the most of the situation. “A lot of us food truckers are just learning to pivot and still try to make the money we need to make,” Davis said. She and other vendors are now trying to park elsewhere downtown in hopes of salvaging part of the weekend crowds.
The cancellation has also highlighted broader frustrations among food truck owners regarding city regulations and communication. “I just feel like we need to have a conversation,” Davis stated. “Most of the time we’re just here to make money.”
Some vendors working downtown this weekend were not affiliated with Cincy Soul but are still capitalizing on the Cincinnati Music Festival crowds. Simone Thomas, a worker at Beyond Guuud food truck, shared, “We having a good time. We got good customers coming down here, especially from out of town.”
Jay Black, owner of Beyond Guuud, emphasized the importance of adapting quickly in the food truck business. “I love to cook. So that’s why I’m still in it. It ain’t for everybody. But it’s challenging and rewarding at the same time,” Black said.
Mayor Aftab Pureval acknowledged the financial impact on Black-owned businesses in a statement on social media Friday. “The Administration has provided a response for why Cincy Soul did not receive permitting Downtown. But this is still a serious frustration and a significant financial burden for many Black-owned small businesses who believed this event would happen,” Pureval stated. He emphasized the need to support vendors and encouraged them to come Downtown.
