Festival announces option for partial refund

Those who bought passes for the cancelled Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) may seek a partial refund or donate the price of the pass to the nonprofit. The festival was cancelled due to wildfire smoke-related air quality concerns in Sisters in the week leading up to the event.

The festival announced on Monday: "Cancelling the Festival two days before it was to start means we incurred a significant portion of the expenses of the event. Between the expenses we have incurred, the programs we are committed to funding and the refund we are able to offer, we will have fully expended the pass revenue we received - and then some.

"After much deliberation and soul-searching, we can offer pass-holders these options:

1. Make your pass purchase a tax-deductible donation to support the arts and music programming of SFF. We ask you, if your circumstances allow, to use this option as it will help us continue the arts and music programs we've committed to our community.

2. Accept a nominal refund of 35 percent and a donation acknowledgement for the balance of your pass price."

Many people in the community have already expressed their intent to donate the full cost of their pass in support of the event.

"I would say the majority of the communication I have received (has been) people choosing to donate their ticket rather than seeking a refund," Managing Director Ann Richardson said. "However, I have received some inquiries from people interested in a refund."

The festival organization notes that contributions - including the value of an unused pass - are generally tax-deductible (the festival suggests consulting with a tax advisor regarding deductibility).

Sisters Folk Festival, Inc. is assessing the impact of the cancellation of what amounts to its biggest fundraiser of its educational outreach programs. The nonprofit invests over $250,000 every year into programs in grades K-12 in the Sisters schools - programs like the Americana Project where students learn to play guitar, write and perform their own songs; and the luthier program at Sisters High School that teaches young people math, engineering and woodworking skills while they craft their own custom guitar or ukulele. Underserved youth in Sisters are able to take piano, dance or other arts-based lessons thanks to a scholarship program funded by SFF.

Plans are already underway for the 2018 festival.

To donate or to request a partial refund, visit https://sistersfolkfestival.org/donationrefund-receipt-form/.