OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) -- The future of a beloved event in Oakland is in question as organizers for Oakland's First Fridays street festival say several sponsors have withdrawn their support. For 13 years, First Fridays in downtown Oakland has brought the city together, but event director Venessa Mc Ghee says that is now at risk. She blames the negative attention stemming from crime that happens in the area, even though it occurs hours after the event. McGhee says she doesn’t think blaming the event is fair and says Oakland's First Fridays is a carefully planned gathering. Seven people were hurt last weekend when a car plowed through a crowd after a fight near the Fox Theatre. Two people were arrested, and police are still searching for the driver. Back in March, another incident happened hours after First Fridays when a shooting at EZ's Lounge on 14th Street killed two people. In a statement sent to KRON4, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said, “I want to be clear: These incidents occurred later in the evening, after the Oakland First Fridays events had officially concluded. We will continue to work with stakeholders to make the necessary strategic decisions to determine a path forward." McGhee warns events like First Fridays create opportunities in the community for everyone involved, and it would be a big blow if it couldn’t continue. ...read more read less