Hey everybody, I just thought I would pass on some information that I found just in case it may affect any of you.
On August 16, 2011 Sugarloaf received notice that the Connecticut Expo Center was being sold to a new owner. The facility will close forever as an expo center as of September 22, 2011. The center has canceled all show contracts after 9/22/11 forcing them to cancel their show in Hartford scheduled for November 11-13, 2011 as well as future events there. Hopefully, if you were scheduled to show your work there in November you already know this unfortunate news.
I found this information when I was on the Sugarloaf website. However, when visiting the Connecticut Expo Center's site, unless you notice the 22nd on their calendar, you might not realize they are closing. Everything on the Expo Center website suggests it is business as usual. They still have a list of upcoming events running down the left hand side of their website. Website visitors possibly have no idea that the Center is closing soon.
Sugarloaf was starting to hear a few rumors that the Center was being sold. So, they began looking for an alternative venue so that they would not have to cancel the November art show. Any place large enough for the Sugarloaf Craft Festival was already booked. Most of the places that were available were just not large enough, didn't have enough parking, or were in an unsuitable location for their Festival.
Sugarloaf is actively looking at other locations for future shows in Connecticut or southern New England. So, hopefully, eventually the show will be picked up again.
I hope this wasn't a shock for anyone that was scheduled to do that show in November.
Jacki B
Comments
So, it sounds like all exhibitors have been notified about the cancelation of the show. That is good. I just happened to stumble upon the news and thought I would pass it on. Thanks for letting me know that you had already gotten the news.
Jacki B
Here is the untold part of the story. We received a check for the full amount of our booth fee from the promoters of Sugarloaf (George and Deann Verdier). No question this is what they should have done, but I suspect they have already spent money on promoting that show. If so, I hope they have a lawsuit under way to recoup their losses. Despite the fact we live in Wisconsin, we do several of the Sugarloaf shows every year, and do reasonably well at them.
Dave P.