VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — After the Virginia Beach City Council meeting Tuesday, some who want to see Something In The Water (SITW) happen next year are worried about whether it will happen.

“To hear that they can’t even make the deadline when they didn’t even make the first deadline is a little frustrating,” said Alex Eslava, who purchased a SITW ticket in September.

Eslava was one of many locals who purchased a ticket the day it went on sale for this year’s festival, only to learn it had been postponed a few hours later.

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She said after learning festival organizers missed their second deadline to provide a contract by Nov. 1, she wasn’t surprised.

John Hood

During an update on the festival on Tuesday, Mayor Bobby Dyer shared his frustration with the missed deadline and threatened to pull the plug.

John Hood

“I think it’s great that the city is trying to hold them a little more accountable,” Eslava said.

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On Wednesday, the city told News 3 there was no update on the city receiving a contract.

“I can definitely understand the city’s perspective on this,” said Amanda Marano, owner of Karma Skate Shop on Atlantic Avenue. “There’s a lot that goes into preparing for a big festival like this. There’s a lot of money spent in the background from a city perspective, from a security and infrastructure perspective.”

John Hood

Marano said when the festival is held at Oceanfront, the presence can be felt and that draws more foot traffic to his store.

“I think it would impact the city of Virginia Beach,” Marano said if the event was canceled.

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She and others like Eslava hope the festival can meet the new deadline of this Friday.

“I understand the city’s point of view, but I hope everyone can bond a little bit and make this happen for the city,” Marano said.

Dyer said if not, the council would discuss next Tuesday whether to go in another direction.