Community festivals have always been a fun and exciting part of every municipality's annual calendar.

Summer events from Rib Cookoffs to music festivals, from beach concerts to children's parties. Music. Food. Fun. Rides. Hand-crafted unique arts and crafts. Fireworks. Dancing. Concerts. Shows. Whatever the celebration, thousands flock to these summer parties.

Many of these festivals are decades old. They are a treasured part of the community's seasonal calendar, which is full with fall fairs, Winterfest, New Years Eve celebrations, July 1 birthday parties with oodles of cake with sticky red and white icing for the kids, Art in the Park, free skating on municipal rinks, family outdoor movie nights--the list is long and lovable.

But as this year's summer events wind down and Labour Day looms, questions are being raised about the future of some festivals.

Crowd sizes have become a problem in certain neighbourhoods: for example, some street festivals have grown beyond that street's capacity. Noise complaints occur in urban areas. Volunteer burn-out is becoming common, particularly for service club sponsored events. Garbage and cleanliness of the park or street. Sufficient toilet and drinking water facilities. Parking,

Most concerning of all is growing evidence of violence at a festival.

Eleven people were killed and nearly thirty injured in the deadly Lapu-Lapu festival in Vancouver last year when an SUV rammed into the crowd. It was a celebration of the Filipino-Canadian community.

Earlier this year, there were shootings in Toronto at the popular "Salsa on St Clair" event. Thousands were sent scattering into the night as shots rang out.

As a result of fears about safety, security costs are rising for event organizers. So are insurance premiums.

There are questions now about the capacity of venues: Should festivals only be held in a fenced area? Should there be security checks at gates? Should paid admission be required? Should there be permanent sites instead of a street or public park?

Many cities have lovely public squares and parks where festivals have traditionally been held. The public loves outdoor events, and the wonderful variety of ethnic foods and exotic dishes from booths and food trucks. Kids are thrilled to run around in parks. Families stroll amidst the music and laughter.

At their best, festivals elevate our towns and cities and enhance the spirit of our neighbourhoods. They promote a sense of community, of being part of a larger diaspora, and they celebrate Canada's unique culture. But to keep these events safe and exciting, cities are going to have to face some fundamental questions about the future of street festivals and large community events.