Niles Riverfest is the latest in a series of cuts the city is making to its budget. The council voted to eliminate the $2,500 donation, as well as a $2,500 contribution to the Four Flags Area Apple Festival.

The question is, why cut some events and not others?

The city voted to give $2,500 to the Niles Bluegrass Festival and $2,200 to the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce’s July 3 fireworks display.

Riverfest is more than 20 years old and the Apple Festival is marking its 40th year, but none of the four events is new, and all rely mostly if not completely on volunteers and community donations.

The City of Niles does not officially host any of these events, although Niles DDA Main Street participates in the organization of Riverfest.

We agree with Apple Festival president Craig Crocker, who said the cuts should have been “across the board.”

These four events are great entertainment for residents and people from out of town, but they need to be self-sustaining. The city should not be picking and choosing which events it supports. Individuals and businesses need to pitch in if they want to make them happen.

This editorial represents the views of the editorial board.