For 30 years, the July 4th weekend in New Orleans was the sole purview of the Essence Festival of Culture. This year, with its contract with the city up for renewal, Essence may face competition.
In a letter sent to Essence officials last week, a steering committee appointed by Mayor Helena Moreno said that the event’s request for $10 to $12 million in annual incentives from the city and state was “simply unfeasible in the current environment.”
Given the city’s financial constraints, the committee, which includes former Mayor Marc Morial and former U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, said it is considering recommending “a competitive selection process be initiated to solicit proposals from any interested and qualified festival organizers.”…