The Walnut Festival moves from Walnut Creek to Antioch due to construction at Heather Farm Park

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) -- For the first time in its 89-year history, the Walnut Festival will not be held in Walnut Creek.

It had to move this year because of construction at the usual location of Heather Farm Park.

The four-day festival opens next week at the Antioch Fairgrounds.

Organizers say that was the only space big enough for all the vendors, food, carnival rides and bands.

But there is concern the move will hurt Walnut Creek and the community groups it benefits.

The festival's president responded to some of the online backlash.

"We're just trying to keep the festival up and running. Sometimes, you have to make changes to be able to keep things moving and unfortunately, right now, that's what we have to do," said Walnut Festival President Eric Lagomarsino.

The Walnut Festival starts on Oct. 16.

It will need to be held somewhere other than Heather Farm Park for three years.