MADISON, Wis. -- Madison's got the blues about not getting the Blues Fest this summer.

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City officials are still trying to figure out why the promoter abruptly cancelled the event scheduled for late August in Olin Park.

Instead of hearing it from the promoter, the mayor and other city officials got the news from media reports.

Some argue it's another example of the city being difficult, others say that it's a smokescreen for an event that continues to have financial troubles.

"(The promoter) just felt frustrated that it took too long from his point of view to come to a final agreement on the details with the city," said Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

A document obtained by News 3 showed that the city imposed a $1,000 penalty for each minute the music plays beyond the agreed upon end time, one of the promoter's apparent frustrations.

"To pull the event and kind of blame the city without putting the issue on the table, I think is really unfair," Madison Alderman Matt Sloan said. "(The promoter) didn't ask us to change (the $1,000 penalty) at all. So I'd be surprised if that was an issue."

In a statement, promoter Ken Adamany blames the cancellation on the inability to reach a new and equitable agreement with the city in a timely manner.

Cieslewicz said Adamany never indicated to him that there was a problem and that Adamany is willing to still hold the event this year, but at as smaller, regional event.

Fireworks Defused

Tens of thousands of Madison-area residents won't be enjoying a popular July 4 fireworks display because a private sponsor has pulled out.

The long-running non-profit event at Elver Park apparently has run into debt.

The city charged the organizer about $30,000 last year to cover expenses, including police overtime. The city told Bill Stagmer again this year, he'd have to pay that amount.

"If another sponsor or organizer came along for this year, we would consider forgiving that debt -- so we do want to make it happen," said Mayor Dave Cieslewisz. "But we also want to be responsible to the broader Madison taxpayer."

The mayor said he's hopeful the Elver Park fireworks can return next year and holds out a slim chance if could still be put together in seven weeks.