June 15, 2020
Out of concern for the safety and well-being of our performers, vendors, staff, audience and our whole community, we will be canceling the 2020 Great Dickens Christmas Fair. This difficult decision takes into account the dangerous unpredictability of the pandemic, concern for all our participants who must interact closely with each other and guests, and the considerable risks of producing our beloved event under these circumstances. We feel this is our best – and only – course of action.
Even if California enters Stage 4 reopening this year, restrictions for large gatherings will likely require that a treatment or vaccine be widely available. According to the experts this is not possible in 2020. Additionally, many people will not be comfortable attending large events until months after such a breakthrough.
Like you, we are struggling with multiple crises on multiple levels. The economic impact of the virus on those of us who make a living in the arts and live entertainment is devastating. Many are helping each other and there are support organizations doing their part, but the longer this goes on the harder it will get. At the bottom of this email are three websites filled with resources for emergency assistance and other forms of support. Please check them out, if not for yourself, then for others who may need help throughout the months to come.
We have begun promoting online sales for our crafts community via dickensfair.com and will be increasing this effort as we get closer to the holidays. All past ticket buyers will receive regular emails and other communications asking them to support the “Dickens Christmas Fair arts community” throughout the year. Please visit https://dickensfair.com/merchants and help spread the word. Online sales are already helping our friends who rely on multiple festivals, to stay afloat. Please don’t forget them!
Also, to help fill a place in our hearts left empty by this hiatus, we are excited to announce “Dickens Fair at Home” an evolving concept designed to keep the Fair in everyone’s hearts and homes this winter! In addition to encouraging shopping online, we plan to offer favorite recipes, whimsical parlor games, dramatic readings, musical sing-a-longs, and hilarious bits from the stage and street of Dickens’ London. It will be a free resource, a love letter to our patrons and our community. More details will be provided in July.
The Dickens Christmas Fair will survive this hiatus. Our sincere hope is that we will all find ways to adapt financially, remain safe from the Coronavirus, and move forward peacefully as a society. During and after these crises, we will need the arts and celebration more than ever!
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair will be back to play its part – in all its lively splendor – in 2021. We SO look forward to that time. Until then, stay careful, stay well, and stay in touch.
With love and respect,
The Pattersons and the whole team at…
Red Barn Productions & The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Please reply to office.dickensfair@gmail.com with questions, comments, and ideas!
Online resources – pandemic assistance for the arts:
