After 13 years of tri-annual events celebrating the arts community in Sharon, Waterfire is coming to an end. 

Organizers made the announcement Friday in a news release, saying they have accomplished their goal of spurring interest in the arts and downtown businesses.

First held in Sharon in 2012, the events were daylong festivals that featured musicians, arts and food vendors and culminated in a ritual lighting of torches along the Shenango River. 

In a news release, organizers said they've brought in over $300,000 and that each of the 29 events held brought in roughly 15,000 people. 

No specific reason was given for the decision, but the release does mention that they are heavily reliant on volunteers. 

Prior to the last Waterfire held at the end of the summer, organizers were still looking for additional help up to the day before the event. 

The City of Sharon said in a statement "we’re sad to see this chapter close, we’re excited for what comes next." 

Planning is now underway to transition to new initiatives to accomplish the same goals as Waterfire, with a focus on different areas of culture. 

A dinner honoring all who've volunteered at past events is planned for December 18 and anyone who has supported any Waterfire event is asked to email Karen Anderson at kanderson@waterfiresharon.org to RSVP. 

The full statement from the city can be found below:

"On behalf of the City of Sharon, I want to express my deepest thanks to WaterFire Sharon, PA for thirteen incredible years of transforming our downtown and community through arts, culture, and collaboration.

WaterFire brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to Sharon, sparked local pride, and showed what’s possible when people come together with vision and heart. While we’re sad to see this chapter close, we’re excited for what comes next.

To the board, volunteers, artists, donors, and everyone who made WaterFire a reality—thank you. Your work created a legacy that will inspire future events and continue to shape the cultural life of Sharon for years to come.

We look forward to supporting new ideas that build on this momentum and keep downtown Sharon vibrant and growing."