SANFORD, Fla. — Two popular events were canceled in Sanford.
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City officials released a statement Sunday responding to the cancellation of Jingle Jam and Oktoberfest, run by the non-profit Sanford Main Street.
The city said that they recognize the importance of these events in historic downtown Sanford as they helped to create a thriving business and entertainment area.
Sanford Main Street said in a press release that “increase regulations were an issue.”
But, city officials said that the non-profit has yet to share which regulations prevented them from doing Jingle Jam.
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According to a news release, the city never reviewed the 2023 Jingle Jam as they never received an event application.
Officials said that in 2021, downtown residents and business owners complained about Snaford’s Mainstreet Jingle Jam.
Because of those complaints, the 2022 event had some changes, including one less stage and more coordination with downtown businesses.
Mayor Art Woodruff said he was concerned about the street closures related to the event, impacting residents and businesses during the holidays.
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City officials approved the Hollerbach’s Oktoberfest in June.
City fees for that event increased more than 8 percent due to overall increases, officials said.
“City costs and other costs for the event, including rental equipment and insurance, led to their decision to cancel the event this year,” the promoter of Oktoberfest said.
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The news release states that Sanford officials met with promoters to discuss options and opportunities for these events.
“The city has reviewed events and event policies in an attempt to balance impacts on other businesses and nearby residents, parking, staffing, and public safety,” the release stated.
Sanford officials said they would continue to work with event promoters while also listening to the concerns of businesses and residents.
For this year, there are 18 events scheduled in downtown Sanford.
Read: 2 popular downtown Sanford events canceled; here are the details
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