Organizers of Calgary's Sled Island festival did their best Thursday night to deal with the flooding in the city but were forced to officially cancel the remaining events this morning.
"In light of the current emergency situation, and in line with our commitment to the safety of festival-goers and the citizens of Calgary, all remaining Sled Island festival events are cancelled," a statement on the festival site read. "We have been fortunate to be able to hold two successful days of the festival and we thank attendees for their enthusiasm and flexibility."
The organizers also asked for "patience and understanding" regarding those with ticket passes and concert tickets for Sled Island and refunds.
"Today we, like many Calgarians, were hit by some unexpected events," organizers wrote in a lengthy post early Friday on its site following Thursday night's schedule. "Neighborhood evacuations in Calgary, including our office and many of our festival venues, along with road closures outside of Calgary, caused a number of show cancellations and/or last-minute moves. We have been humbled by the positivity and understanding of crowds, the go-with-it attitude of our artists and inspired by our partners' initiative to make tonight roll as smoothly and as close to as scheduled as possible."
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As flooding in Calgary continued Thursday and certain areas were evacuated, causing shows by Superchunk, John K. Samson and Dead Soft to be moved to different venues. Sled Island was also forced to nix concerts at the Riverwalk Plaza, the National Music Centre, the New Black, the Golden Age Club and the Ship and Anchor. A few groups including Ben Caplan and White Lung cancelled their concerts while new start times were announced for the gigs at the new venues.
"Our @sledisland show at Flames Central is scheduled to go on as planned!" Superchunk tweeted last night. "Keeping the floods at bay #YYC"
Tonight's performers were to include Explosions In The Sky, Joel Plaskett, METZ, Jim Bryson and John K. Samson among others.
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said the evacuation orders remain in effect as of Friday morning at 5 a.m. local time. "I would say to all Calgarians avoid all travel that is not absolutely necessary on Friday," he said in a YouTube clip, adding there were "spot floods" on roadways and "if you can stay home, stay home."
