03/10/2025
To our cherished vendors and guests,
As a family deeply committed to community fundraising and support, we hope this message finds you well. It is with a heavy heart that we announce we will not be proceeding with the Dufferin Christmas Market nor any other events in the foreseeable future.
We sincerely apologize for the late notice of this announcement, as we know many vendors eagerly anticipate this event. Over the years, we have cherished the opportunity to connect and collaborate with you—our local stakeholders, vendors, and volunteers. Together, we have created a vibrant space that has brought joy to our community and allowed us to contribute nearly $40,000 to worthy causes, namely the Orangeville Foodbank. These contributions reflect our shared commitment to supporting those in need, and we are incredibly proud of the impact we've made together.
Regrettably, the financial terms for renting the space for the 2025 Dufferin Christmas Market have become untenable. The quote we received to secure the venue for our one-day event was a staggering $15,000, along with a new requirement for a 40% non-refundable down payment. If we were to cancel the event within 180 days, we would be liable for the full remaining balance, despite not hosting the market. Additionally, the facility management proposed an additional security deposit of up to $10,000 due two weeks before the event. The lack of established and agreed-upon terms and fees prior to requesting our down payment left us feeling uneasy, and led to today’s decision to ultimately step away from hosting any events at this venue. Despite our attempts to address our concerns with both the venue and the governing board, those concerns were met with indifference.
While we hope another organizer will step in to fill the void, we are concerned that someone may exploit our established date and the popularity of our past events for their personal financial gain. We encourage vendors to be discerning and not accept subpar organizers. We also urge potential organizers to be cautious of inadequate facilities. It is essential to engage with your communities and voice concerns when something doesn’t feel right. Advocacy and communication are crucial for ensuring that events are successful and beneficial for everyone involved.
We have truly enjoyed our time volunteering alongside many dedicated individuals, but it has become clear that the current environment is not conducive to fostering a thriving community event. Our goal has always been to create a welcoming, ethical, and beneficial space for all, and we are disappointed that we cannot continue this tradition.
We are truly sorry for any disappointment this news may bring. Our desire has always been to contribute to our community on a larger scale, and we hope to find alternative ways to support local initiatives in the future, even if we are not hosting events ourselves.
Thank you for your understanding and for the support you have shown us over the years.
All the best,
James and Julie
