Organizers of the St. Patrick’s Festival in Fountain Park will forgo the celebration this year.

Christine Colley, director/president of Fountain Events, Inc., notified the town Jan. 19 of the non-profit’s plans not to sponsor the popular community gathering.

“While it has been fun to put on this event, financially it has produced enough revenue to cover the costs, but not any incremental funding for charities, which is counterproductive to the FEI mission,” wrote Colley in an email to Town Manager Grady Miller and Rachel Goodwin, town recreation supervisor.

Fountain Events also sponsored Oktoberfest and will continue to “invest our resources to make the 10th Fountain Hills Oktoberfest the best ever,” wrote Colley.

The town posted in its community activity guide that the Fountain will turn green at noon on Friday, March 17.

Magic Bird Festivals will debut a Fountain O’Green artisan market March 17-19 on the Avenue of the Fountains. The non-alcohol event will be free.

The non-profit Fountain Events Inc. recruited volunteers, vendors and sponsors for its first 2016 event on March 13. In previous years, Sons of AMVETS organized activities.

A $5 adult admission was charged to listen to Irish music and purchase Irish food and beer. Attendance at last year’s festival was estimated at 3,800.

Elks Lodge 2846 sponsored a smaller, free celebration on the traditional St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

At the time of its formation, Fountain Events, Inc. said profits would be distributed to veterans programs, Fountain Hills’ High School needs and Fountain Hills’ social programs but not limited to those organizations.

“Our interest is to use our collective skills, with the assistance of Fountain Hills’ charitable service organizations, local businesses, and incredible town volunteers to produce quality community events for the enjoyment of families and folks Valley-wide.

“The vision and goal of Fountain Events Inc. is to create successful events to achieve profits to support our preferred charities.”

Fountain Events, Inc. also included organizers includes Sam Coffee, COO and treasurer, and Denise Dunning-Ricketts, secretary.

Fountain O’Green Artisan Market

The Magic Bird’s first St. Patrick’s Day Festival in town will feature 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, holiday-themed vendors, live music and dance performances.

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission will be free.

Roberta Toombs-Rechlin and Lester Rechlin founded Magic Bird Festivals in 1989. The company, based in Cave Creek, presents arts and entertainment events.