Herndon Festival Permanently Cancelled; Officials Cite Staff Shortages

HERNDON, VA — Citing a shortage of staffing and volunteers, Town of Herndon announced Monday the decision to permanently close the annual Herndon Festival.

Mayor Sheila Olem, Town Manager Bill Ashton, and Cindy Reeder, the director of Herndon Parks and Recreation made the announcement on parks and recreation's YouTube channel.

The full video can be viewed below.

"Over the years the Herndon Festival has been a cornerstone of our town's identity," Ashton said, in the video. "But as many of you know, the Herndon Festival has faced challenges. We face increasing logistical challenges that impact security, accessibility, and the overall experience of the festival. Our community is always our top priority."

Olem noted that town staff and volunteers have helped to make the annual festival a success. She also thanked them for all the hard work they did in years passed.

"However, over the years, the decline in volunteerism and volunteer organizations who were the backbone of the festival has become problematic, along with the nearly 1,000 staff hours it takes," she said. "It also takes more than 1,000 volunteer hours annually to produce the festival weekend. And that's in addition to each of the organization's advanced planning, training and in many cases, the operation of their own booths."

Acknowledging the significance of festival to the town, Ashton said it was a difficult decision to make.

"We want to be as transparent with you about the challenges we're facing," he said. "One of the questions we frequently hear is why not return the Herndon Festival to the downtown? But the staffing and security challenges would be the same regardless of the location."

In addition, a large portion of the land downtown where the festival had been held for many years, was sold to Comstock Companies, as part of the proposed downtown renovation project.

"For over 40 years, the Herndon Festival has been a source of joy, laughter and connection for our community, introducing us all to new musical genres, creative and talented artisans, international flavors, and showcasing businesses in our community," Reeder said. "It has been the herald of summer, a reunion of friends and neighbors answered the call that what Herndon needed was a good party."