A downtown Youngstown staple for over 30 years has been canceled for 2024.

According to Italian Heritage Foundation of Youngstown secretary Linda DiTullio Illich, the Greater Youngstown Italian Festival, which was scheduled for August 2, 3 and 4 has been canceled.

The festival was canceled out of an abundance of caution due to ongoing safety concerns in downtown Youngstown.

DiTullio Illich tells 21 News the festival's board of trustees was hearing concerns from people concerned about coming into downtown Youngstown following the explosion at Realty Tower May 28.

The festival's board of trustees tried to find another location to host the festival, but were unsuccessful.

DiTullio Illich says she hopes the festival can return in 2025.

According to a statement from the Italian Heritage Foundation, plans for the 2025 festival have already been put in motion and the Foundation still plans on honoring its 2024 scholarship recipients and charitable giving.

More details will be revealed later.