FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hilliard Civic Association Reiterates Profound Disappointment Over Old Hilliardfest Art & Street Fair 2023 Cancellation
Hilliard, Ohio – July 22, 2023
The Hilliard Civic Association, the proud organizers of the Old Hilliardfest Art & Street Fair, wish to reiterate our profound disappointment and regret over the cancellation of this beloved event for the year 2023. For nearly four decades, the Old Hilliardfest has been a cherished tradition, fostering a strong sense of community and celebrating the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Hilliard.
As the organizers of this vibrant festival for more than three decades, the Hilliard Civic Association has tirelessly worked as a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Hilliard. Our commitment to creating this memorable community event has always been our driving force. The success of Old Hilliardfest over the years has been a significant testament to that commitment.
The decision to cancel this year's festival was an incredibly difficult one to make. We have always taken immense pride in hosting an event that is funded through the revenue generated by the festival itself and supported by corporate sponsorships. However, the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to our organization’s ability to host Old Hilliardfest.
The loss of countless small businesses post-pandemic has significantly impacted vendor participation in the festival, leading to a decline in vendor revenue. Additionally, changes in corporate spending patterns following the pandemic has resulted in reduced cash and in-kind sponsorship contributions necessary for hosting a successful event.
Moreover, the recent inflationary pressures have caused a sharp increase in fixed expenses related to the festival, such as year-round storage of event supplies, rental of and fuel for generators, printing costs, and so on. Despite our all-volunteer board putting in thousands of hours each year to prepare for the event, these financial constraints rendered us unable to proceed with this year's festival.
As an organization deeply rooted in community spirit, we felt that it would be unfair to participating vendors, businesses, and organizations to delay the cancellation any further if we were unable to resolve the financial concerns in the weeks leading up to the festival.
In light of the cancellation, the Hilliard Civic Association is actively reaching out to all participating vendors who had already registered for the event, to ensure timely reimbursement of their registration fees. Our commitment to supporting and collaborating with local artists and businesses remains unwavering, and we will work diligently to process refunds as swiftly as possible.
While the Hilliard Civic Association does not currently have immediate plans for next year's event, we want to assure all participating vendors and the community that we remain committed to the spirit of Old Hilliardfest Art & Street Fair. The cancellation of this year's festival has prompted us to reevaluate and strategize for the future. Our dedicated organizers will be engaging in discussions to explore the possibilities and envision what lies ahead for this cherished community tradition.
The Hilliard Civic Association is incredibly grateful for the enduring support and enthusiasm shown by the community over the years and during this difficult time.
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For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Robert Vance, Public Relations – robert@hilliardcivicassociation.org
Erin Pearson, Vendor Coordinator – erin@hilliardcivicassociation.org