If you ask around, many residents of Sanford, FL, would tell you that their favorite annual event is October Fest–hosted by Hollerbach’s German Restaurant. The family owned business has hosted this festival for nearly a decade, and have managed to make the event more and more successful each time–by attracting people from all over the state to flock to Sanford for the annual celebration. Some adventurous attendees even arrive from out of the Country!
This is not the first reoccurring event to be canceled this year, and by the looks of it, it will not be the last.
Here is a response from the Mayor, as to why the events were canceled (Posted Via Facebook).
The promoters of Novemberfest (previously know as Oktoberfest) and Jingle Jam have decided not to hold these events this year. Rather than chasing multiple posts, here are my comments (including information on city costs) about their decisions. If you would like to discuss it further, I’ll be glad to through email, phone, or in person. – Art
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.
Nonetheless, people citizens & business owners alike remain upset, and there is a lot of turmoil expected to carry over into 2024.
