The organizers of one of the most popular historical festivals in the area have decided to cancel this year’s event in light of Hurricane Milton.
The 2024 installment of the McIntosh 1890s Festival was officially cancelled by the Frineds of McIntosh organization earlier this week.
As part of its cancellation, the organization cited nine reasons that were behind its decision. The “Nine Ps” for canceling the festival included the public alert issued by the town of McIntosh, the parking being saturated and “unsuitable for use,” and flooded spaces for vendors.
“Many hurricane-related logistics combined to make the festival untenable this year,” according to the organization.
The group also cited the potential for no power and a reduced police presence as factors that weighed into the decision to cancel the festival.
Additionally, the organization said its portalet vendor was facing “uncertainty about availability and delivery.”
The Friends of McIntosh said the group’s insurance policy “will not cover storm damage and is not in effect in mandatory evacuation areas.”
“Our hearts go out to shoppers, both new and those who have made it a tradition; to vendors who can’t make the festival, and to those who had hoped to be here; and to local organizations that count on the festival to grow their vision,” reads a statement from the group.
Nearly 300 arts, crafts, and antiques vendors had been scheduled to return to the festival this weekend.
The group says it will not reschedule the festival and will instead look forward to a “safe and calm” 1890s Festival in 2025.