SerpApi.Org
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Organizers of the Rochester Pride Festival announced Tuesday they will offer refunds after Saturday's event at Highland Park ended hours early because of severe weather.
The decision comes as some vendors question why the festival moved forward despite forecasts warning of potentially dangerous conditions.
"It's a big event," said Wendi YuLing, owner of Wandering Wonton and Plexagon. "It was mishandled in my opinion from the moment they saw the forecasts and continued to host the event."
YuLing was among dozens of vendors whose businesses were affected when the festival was canceled. They said a proposed make-up event never materialized, leaving many vendors without a chance to recover lost sales.
"There are vendors who came from out of town who can't just turn around and come back," YuLing said. "A lot of vendors are also committed to other markets. There are so many great events happening around the city in the coming weeks, and we can't split ourselves up."
YuLing said they hope organizers develop a stronger contingency plan before the next Pride Festival.
"I would act as a consultant if they wanted to talk to me, or refer them to other great consultants in the area to help improve the event," YuLing said. "Depending on whether they listened to those recommendations, perhaps I would vend with them again."
In a statement Tuesday, Rochester Pride said organizers were "deeply disappointed" to end the festival early after months of planning.
The nonprofit said it monitored weather forecasts in coordination with city and county emergency officials in the days leading up to the event and throughout Saturday. Organizers said they initially hoped conditions would improve but decided to end the festival once approaching thunderstorms posed a safety risk.
"Every decision was made in real time based on the conditions at that moment, with the safety of attendees, volunteers, vendors, performers, staff, and community members as our highest priority," the organization said. Organizers added that no injuries or serious incidents were reported.
Rochester Pride also announced it will refund:
- Small businesses and community organizations that purchased vendor tables.
- Anyone who bought general admission or VIP tickets online.
Those who purchased tickets with cash at the event are not eligible for refunds.
Organizers said Rochester Pride, a nonprofit event, does not retain proceeds after the festival. Remaining funds are reinvested into grants supporting LGBTQ+ education and community programming.
The organization also confirmed the festival will not be rescheduled, saying an event of its size requires months of planning, permitting, vendor coordination and performer bookings. Instead, organizers said they look forward to returning in 2027.
CLICK HERE to request a refund.
