The organizers behind a festival that has centered on and celebrated diverse cultures and communities in the Tri-Cities since 2021 have canceled this year’s event.

The Tri-Cities Diversity & Inclusion Council announced its decision to postpone the event for 2025, scheduled for Sept. 6 at Richland’s Howard Amon Park, in a letter from CEO and founder Naima Chambers to its members, volunteers and past event participants. It was a decision not made lightly and, ultimately, out of a concern for safety, she wrote.

“The growing climate of anti-DEI, anti-immigrant and anti-nonprofit sentiment has created real and painful challenges,” Chambers wrote, adding “we refuse to compromise your trust or your safety by hosting an event we cannot fully support with the care and resources it deserves.”

DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion.

The nonprofit is already planning for the 2026 celebration, Chambers said, by pursuing funding, securing partnerships and building infrastructure.

“While this pause is necessary, it is not a step back – it’s a strategic step forward,” Chambers’ statement said. “We plan to bring this celebration back in 2026, stronger and more impactful than ever.”

The event, called Celebration of Community, Diversity and Culture, has drawn hundreds since it was first held five years ago at Columbia Park in Kennewick. Along with featuring music, dance and other elements of various cultures and communities in and around the Tri-Cities, it drew dozens of vendors such as food truck operators, small businesses and community organizations.

Chambers’ letter encouraged those interested in getting involved in the council and “being in community with others who care about equity, culture and inclusion” to attend the group’s monthly meetings from 6-7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. Go to: tcdic.org.