A longtime Calgary summer tradition is set to shift locations.

After 23 years at Elliston Park in southeast Calgary, Globalfest is officially relocating to Spruce Meadows in the city’s deep south.

Festival organizers say they’ve outgrown the Forest Lawn site, which has hosted the fireworks and cultural celebration since 2003 and typically draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. The move is driven by the need for more space, better accessibility and room to expand programming, according to organizers.

Local businesses along International Avenue are already bracing for the change. Bijal Desai, who opened Red Swan Pizza in December, says she was counting on the festival’s summer crowds.

“I feel sad because I don’t know now in summer how we can cover that kinda business or food cost,” she said, adding that neighbouring shop owners told her business can jump by more than 40 per cent during Globalfest.

But not everyone sees the relocation as a loss. Parmjit Brar, owner of Brar Fine Indian Cuisine, says the festival often created more disruption than benefit.

“We have a loss actually for the business,” Brar said. “Because the road is closed, not too many people are coming here because of parking issues, and they close both sides of the road actually.”

Globalfest COO Ken Goosen says accessibility challenges were a major factor in the decision. Limited parking and long commutes made it difficult for some attendees to reach Elliston Park.

“It made it difficult at times to even want to go to Elliston Park because they couldn’t park,” Goosen said. “At Spruce Meadows, there’s a closer CTrain station.”

Nearby residents who have long watched the fireworks from their homes will also feel the change. But for some, the move is still welcome.

“Streets closed, pedestrians everywhere not going with the crosswalks… just crossing the street wherever they feel like it,” said Laurie Hanischuk. “I’m hoping that Spruce Meadows will be a better place for Globalfest.”

This year’s festival will be shortened to four days and will run in late August.

Calgary, Canada – August 26, 2012: A breathtaking fireworks display closes another night at the GlobalFest festival. (Photo: iStock) SCoutts