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CLEVELAND – Glenville’s annual festival and parade has been canceled as city leaders cite concerns of gun violence.

Councilman Jeff Johnson made the decision to call the Aug. 13 festival off Monday.

In a letter sent to residents, Johnson said community violence, injuries and deaths have become too concerning to hold the 39th annual event.

“Too many people within our community have become victims of violence in 2016,” the letter said. “Too many of those who live within our community have been seriously injured or killed because of gun violence. The violence has become too frequent and senseless.”

Johnson also expressed concern for the safety of police officers and the potential harm they could face at the event. The letter notes that off-duty security is hired for the event each year. Johnson said he had intended to hire 22 officers, 90 percent of which were Cleveland police officers.

In 2014, two men were shot near the festival.

Johnson said he hopes to resurrect the festival and parade in 2017, but the community must first stop the violence and improve itself for a safer environment.

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-www.wkyc.com