Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Emily Wilson announced today (Oct. 25) that the Williams Station Day festivities scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, have been canceled.
The looming threat of rain and colder temperatures apparently led to the first cancellation of the festival in its 28-year history.
“It is with much regret that I must inform you Williams Station Day 2019 has been cancelled,” Williams said in a press release that was also published on the Chamber’s website. “This decision was made following much discussion, the review of forecast models from multiple agencies, as well as safety considerations for all involved.”
Although the festival has been canceled, the Chamber “highly values all involved in Williams Station Day and all other festivals,” said Wilson.
Vendor agreement stipulates that vendors will receive no refunds “for cancellation, removal for cause, or acts of God.” However, Wilson said, the Chamber “has chosen to honor all currently paid and participating 2019 vendors for the 2020 Williams Station Day, October 24th.”
Should a vendor not be able to attend in 2020, participation fees will be considered forfeited.
The WSD-related 2019 Patron’s Party will proceed as planned, and all patrons and juried artists will be contacted shortly. In addition, the Inaugural BARK-Tober Fest Pet Costume Contest will be rescheduled, and information on that event will be shared as soon as it is available.
Chamber President Jordan Barnett posted on her personal Facebook page that safety was the main concern that prompted the cancellation decision.
“While it may not be a decision we like or wanted, the safety of all involved and our community is imperative,” she wrote. “Thank you Atmore for your patience while every aspect was delicately considered and for your continued support and understanding that sometimes difficult decisions have to made.”
Wilson asked that everyone try to understand the decision, and the work involved in deciding that cancellation was the best option.
“The Chamber Team is actively working on the logistics involved in this decision, and we ask that you please accept our apologies for delayed responses,” she said. “There is no further information available at this time; however, should you have a question or concern please feel free to reply (by email at director@atmorechamber.com). We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.”
Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Emily Wilson announced that the Williams Station Day festivities scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, have been canceled.
The looming threat of rain and colder temperatures apparently led to the first cancellation of the festival in its 28-year history.
“It is with much regret that I must inform you Williams Station Day 2019 has been cancelled,” Williams said in a press release that was also published on the Chamber’s website. “This decision was made following much discussion, the review of forecast models from multiple agencies, as well as safety considerations for all involved.”
Although the festival has been canceled, the Chamber “highly values all involved in Williams Station Day and all other festivals,” said Wilson.
Vendor agreement stipulates that vendors will receive no refunds “for cancellation, removal for cause, or acts of God.” However, Wilson said, the Chamber “has chosen to honor all currently paid and participating 2019 vendors for the 2020 Williams Station Day, October 24th.”
Should a vendor not be able to attend in 2020 participation fees will be considered forfeited.
The WSD-related 2019 Patron’s Party will proceed as planned, and all patrons and juried artists will be contacted shortly. In addition, the Inaugural BARK-Tober Fest Pet Costume Contest will be rescheduled, and information on that event will be shared as soon as it is available.
Wilson asked that everyone try to understand the decision, and the work involved in deciding that cancellation was the best option.
“The Chamber Team is actively working on the logistics involved in this decision, and we ask that you please accept our apologies for delayed responses,” she said. “There is no further information available at this time; however, should you have a question or concern please feel free to reply to this e-mail. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.”