Sunset Junction Organizers Issue Plea for Donations Amid Cancellation Concerns

Organizers of the Sunset Junction street fair issued a plea for donations late Monday night as they face the possibility that the Los Angeles event may be canceled, less than a week before it is set to begin.

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Earlier Monday, the Los Angeles Board of Public Works denied the Sunset Junction Neighborhood Alliance operating permits for its 2011 event, which was supposed to kick off Saturday.

The organization cited nearly $400,000 in unpaid fees for both the 2010 and 2011 festivals, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The festival organizers disputed that it owed that much money.

The board said they will re-evaluate the permits Wednesday if festival founder Michael McKinley is able to raise $141,978.57, the amount of the fees owed for the 2011 fair.

In their statement issued late Monday, Sunset Junction organizers said they are working to raise the fees ahead of Wednesday morning's meeting and asked the public to help by donating via its website.

"Our intention is to show the City that Sunset Junction is a committed and reliable partner, who continues to contribute to the Silverlake community year-round, along with being one of the most anticipated and historic fairs in Los Angeles for 31 years," the statement read. "We've received a very positive response from our sponsors and supporters, and we are optimistic that we will reach our goal of obtaining the $142,000 necessary to pay the city."

Organizers added that no bands have canceled yet. The lineup includes Butthole Surfers, Bobby Womack, kd lang, Hanson, Melvins and a DJ set by Lil' Jon.

"We remain optimistic and we're diligently making every effort possible to move forward with Sunset Junction this weekend," organizers said.