Portland cuts funding for Oregon Symphony's Waterfront Park Concert - Now Canceled

The Oregonian has reported that the City of Portland has cut out the funding needed to run the Waterfront Park Concert at the end of summer. Traditionally, the concert has drawn huge crowds to the park and has been a showcase for The Oregon Symphony and other arts organizations, such as Oregon Ballet Theater, Portland Youth Philharmonic, and Portland Opera that have participated. So, the Oregon Symphony has cancelled the concert. In light of the fact that the City has reported a large surplus of money ($12-13 million), it seems shortsighted to stop funding this concert, which brings in a lot of people who spend money at local businesses and has become a highlight of the summer.