A letter has been sent to all retailers in Sandown by the Sandown Business Association (SBA), calling on their support after the Sandown Carnival Association announced they would not be organising the Christmas Eve Funday this year.
The SBA is calling on retailers to get involved to help save what they say is one of the busiest days for Sandown businesses, “with the High Street heaving with visitors and residents, spending time in Sandown and using the local shops”.
Lack of support dampened enthusiasm
Tammy Vincent of the Sandown Carnival Association recently stated,
“Our decision was made taking a variety of factors into account, but having worked so very hard throughout the year we feel the general negativity and lack of support by some has somewhat dampened our enthusiasm to arrange another free event for the town.
“As chair of the Association I can assure you that we did not make this decision lightly, and spent quite some time exploring options. The support shown to us by some in the town has again been incredible but as a small voluntary organisation that works extremely hard, negativity and apathy has this year been very hard to ignore.”
Get on board
The letter to retailers from the Business Association goes on to say that SBA is willing to organise the event this year, but needs the active support of retailers.
“The main issue is not money but people, both on the day to help everything run smoothly and before to promote the event, sort out the paperwork, organise the activities, etc.
“We believe if there is no Funday this year, not only will Sandown not be fully in the Christmas spirit, but all our businesses will suffer.
“Now is the time to act. For Sandown and for yourself.”
Meet Friday night to hear more
Businesses are invited to a meeting being held this Friday (3rd October) at 7.30pm to discuss the matter further.
Meet at The Old Corner Bank. The meeting is open to any Sandown business, whether a member of the Business Association or not.
Image: bobjagendorf under CC BY 2.0
