Leesburg Bikefest faces uncertain future due to declining attendance, rising costs

Leesburg Bikefest faces uncertain future

The roar of engines at Leesburg?s annual Bikefest could soon fall silent, as city officials warn the event may only have funding to run for one more year. Attendance has dropped since the pandemic, and the city said the event cost $70,000 to host last year ? a figure officials say is no longer sustainable.

LEESBURG, Fla. - The roar of engines at Leesburg’s annual Bikefest could soon fall silent, as city officials warn the event may only have funding to run for one more year.

What we know:

Leesburg’s annual Bikefest may be entering its final year unless the city can find a way to close a widening funding gap. 

Attendance has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and the city said it cost $70,000 to host the event last year — an expense no longer considered sustainable. 

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

The nonprofit that once ran the festival dissolved several years ago, leaving the city with $250,000 in reserve funds. Just $114,000 remains, well below what’s needed to stage the event.

The backstory:

For years, Bikefest drew large crowds and was organized by a non-profit that handled its logistics and expenses. When that group dissolved, the city inherited both the event and its reserve funds. Since the pandemic, attendance has lagged, costs have risen, and city leaders have struggled to keep the event financially viable.

Big picture view:

City officials say keeping the event alive will require creative cost-cutting, but warn that some strategies may impact visitor experience and perception. For example, to cut costs for next spring’s event, city commissioners considered hiring an outside vendor to manage alcohol sales. The vendor would cover expenses such as tents, insurance and concessions, while paying the city taxes and fees. 

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

What they're saying:

"If bike and beer prices go from 6 bucks to 12 bucks, we’re gonna get murdered on Facebook," City Manager Al Minner said, acknowledging concerns about the potential impact on attendees.