Yucaipa officials announced they are canceling the October 2025 Five Winds Country Music Festival. In a social media post, officials said the cancellation was needed to protect the city’s coffers. According to the city, the festival lost money each year. The city did not provide more specifics in the post. “We know fans will be disappointed, and this wasn’t an easy decision,” the city said in an Instagram post on Thursday, April 3. “But we’re committed to balancing the budget and protecting public safety.” The cancellation follows other moves to shore up the city’s finances, including the introduction of Measure S, a sales tax increase approved by voters in November 2024. Officials warned in September 2024 the city could face bankruptcy by 2028 without immediate action, prompting the sales tax measure. To pass, Measure S required approval from 50% of voters plus one additional voter. It passed with nearly 60% of voters in favor. Under Measure S, all funds generated by the tax increase stay in Yucaipa, out of reach from the state or other entities, according to city officials. The measure added 1 cent to the sales tax, meaning the city gets 2 cents for every taxable $1 purchase. The city estimated that Measure S would generate nearly $6 million in sales tax revenue each year, but officials said other budget cuts would be made, including freezing and eliminating vacant jobs, pulling back on planned projects, focusing on cost recovery for community and development services and renegotiating contracts. Scrapping the annual country music festival is another such step toward improving Yucaipa’s bottom line, according to the city. Those who purchased tickets for the event will receive messages with more information on refunds, according to the city. The Yucaipa Music & Arts Festival, meanwhile, is still planned for May 2-3 at the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center, 12062 California St. It will include live entertainment, an area for kids, a beer garden, multiple shows, food vendors, roller skating and shopping booths. Related Articles In open letter to Angels owner, Anaheim mayor outlines starting points for stadium negotiations Riverside plans to use drones for illegal fireworks enforcement this July 4th Bill Luna, former Riverside County executive officer, dies at 70 Sexual harassment suit against ex-Riverside County supervisor settled for $775,000 37 Inland schools named 2025 California Distinguished Schools Yucaipa has made other big changes in recent weeks. The City Council placed former City Manager Chris Mann on paid leave in early March. Mann officially left the position on March 31, with a $279,000 payout. The city expects to appoint an interim city manager at 6 p.m. April 14 at the City Hall Council Chambers, 34272 Yucaipa Blvd. ...read more read less