A faltering economy has caused Providence's city government to scale back its support for an annual New Year's celebration.
The city normally pays for about one-third of the $120,000 cost of producing Bright Night, a festival featuring poetry, performances, dancing and skating.
Lynne McCormack, the city's director of art, culture and tourism, said on Thursday that her office can only donate $5,000 in cash and in-kind contributions instead of the usual $20,000.
The Providence Tourism Council normally gives an additional $25,000, but it has not authorized a similar contribution for the coming celebration.
City budgets have been under pressure as tax revenues fall and the state government scales back its financial support. Festival Director Adam Gertsacov said Bright Night is seeking private donations and cutting costs.
