Havelock Country Jamboree canceled again, fans want answers

One of Canada's largest music festivals, the Havelock Country Jamboree, was scheduled to take place this weekend. But instead, it was eliminated for the third year in a row.

The long-running festival, which drew nearly 20,000 music fans at a time, was canceled in 2020, then again in 2021, and now for a third time in 2022.

Many fans who paid $650 or more for tickets to the four-day festival, usually held on the third weekend in August, want enough and their money back.

“They just pushed and pushed us and then they said it was gone, and I was really angry because $650 is a lot of money for me and some people lost thousands of dollars,” Cheryl-Ann Van Gennip said. , Lindsey, Ont.

The Jamboree was a huge draw and celebrated its 30th anniversary in Havelock in 2019. The Double Stage has produced big name actors over the years, including Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn and Brett Kissel.

Mark Shaw Kingston, Ont. had been to the Jamboree eleven times before and was looking forward to going again this weekend.

Now that it's been canceled for the third time, Shaw said it's time to honor the fans who have supported the festival over the years and give them the money they deserve.

“I'm owed $650 and I want that money back because I can use it for other festivals that are going on there,” Shaw said, “I'm upset because we've been giving them as little as possible for years. What we've done for us is get our money back.”

When CTV News called the Toronto Jamboree office, this was the message: “Thank you for calling the Havelock Country Jamboree office, please do not leave a message, this is not an answering service. The office is currently closed. Stay tuned on the website for any updates about the show. “

CTV News Toronto also sent emails to the Jamboree website, which were not returned.

It said on the Jamboree website: “Also, regarding the issue of refunds, we are working on this as well and will advise as soon as possible.”

The Jamboree website said there might be a festival next year, but they're still trying to figure it out. However, music fans say they deserve answers and a refund after three years.

“Look, it's gone, so it's not going to happen. I want my $650 back,” Van Gennip said.

Many fans who want a refund are joining Facebook groups to find out how to get their money back.