SANFORD, Fla. – The 2023 “Jingle Jam” street festival in Sanford is off, its organizers announced Friday.
According to a news release issued by Sanford Main Street, a nonprofit group with a stated mission to breathe new life into downtown Sanford, the December festival was canceled months ahead of time “due to rising costs and the mounting fatigue caused by the ever-increasing regulations.”
The release elaborated, going on to say that Sanford Main Street relies on volunteers to operate events such as Jingle Jam. At latest however, these volunteers have reportedly been speaking out, fatigued more and more by the challenges brought about in managing the event.
“Jingle Jam has been a cherished tradition in our community for many years, bringing joy and holiday cheer to families and friends. However, the festival’s sustainability has been challenged by a series of factors that have made it increasingly difficult to secure the necessary resources and meet evolving regulatory demands,” the release states. “...(The) dedicated team of volunteers who have tirelessly worked to bring Jingle Jam to life every year has expressed concerns of fatigue due to managing the event’s ever-increasing demands. As a non-profit organization, Sanford Main Street relies heavily on the generosity and commitment of these volunteers. Their well-being and satisfaction are of utmost importance to us.”
[TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider]
The organization said it will use this opportunity to explore fresh ideas and new fundraising strategies that better align with what it’s capable of and what the community wants.
“We have gathered sufficient data from other similar cities that have a great public, private partnership with their municipalities that promote growth through financial support. We hope to emulate those success stories,” the release states.
The release ends with a statement of hope that Sanford Main Street will eventually raise the funds needed to continue hosting memorable experiences for the community.
Elsewhere in Sanford, Hollerbach’s German Restaurant recently announced it would not be hosting its own Oktoberfest celebration this year.
Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff released a statement on social media that read:
"The City of Sanford regrets that promoters are not holding events that have been popular in the past. Hollerbach’s Octoberfest had a successful run and by all accounts did well at the Sanford Civic Center site the last two years. Hollerbach’s withdrew this year’s application (EDIT ) - after the commission approved it in June. (I originally said the commission had not considered the application. That was a mistake.) I have been told increases in both city costs and other costs for the event, including rental equipment and insurance, led to the decision. The event was scheduled for November which would allow Hollerbach’s to participate in other events throughout Central Florida in October.
After some complaints about Jingle Jam in 2021, changes were made in 2022 including one less stage and more coordination with businesses. I did continue to have concerns about the number of street closures since the event extended from Sanford Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. After the 2022 event the promoter told me they were considering major changes in the event including a possible change of location. One of the considerations was whether the event was a service for the community or a fundraiser for Mainstreet. Mainstreet did not submit an event application to host Jingle Jam in 2023 so there was no review by the city.
The most recent changes to our event guidelines were made in 2022 and included ending outdoor entertainment at 10 p.m. to encourage people to move inside, giving extra scrutiny to separate but adjacent events, trying to maintain north-south access between Sanford Avenue and Park Avenue since most of our parking is north of First Street, making sure multiple outdoor stages do not expose residents or other businesses who are midway between stages to competing performances, and requiring the events help manage parking.
Here is some history of what the city charges for the events. The city costs are what the event promoter must pay to cover the actual costs of the city.
2019 – Ocktoberfest held in Magnolia Square with private security used for overnight
City fees $8,946 including $5051 for police.
2020 – Canceled due to Covid
2021 – Ocktoberfest moved to Civic Center.
City fees $10,365 including $3756 for police, $1425 for fire, and $2750 for Civic Center rental
2022 – Oktoberfest planned for Civic Center and rescheduled to November because of flooding.
City fees $16,103 including $5,254 for police, $1770 for fire, and $5330 for Civic Center rental.
2023 – Novemberfest Estimate – event requested for November 3 – 5. Request was withdrawn by Hollerbach’s before the City Commission was to consider it at the June 26 meeting.
Estimated City fees - $17,492 including $7505 for police, $2680 for fire, and $3947 for Civic Center rental.
In each case the nonprofit rate for the Civic Center was used because the applicant was Hollerbach’s Has Heart nonprofit organization.
2021 – Jingle Jam – City fees $6377 including $4674 for police and $356 for fire.
2022 – Jingle Jam – City fees $4981 including $2451 for police. (the costs decreased from the previous year)
2023 – No application for Jingle Jam was submitted.”
Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: