Photo: Jena Ardell / Moment / Getty Images
The beloved Sinterklaas festival in Rhinebeck has been canceled this year due to financial challenges, including the impact of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. The festival, which has been a staple in the Hudson Valley for over 25 years, faced rising costs for essential items like stars made in India and lights from China. These items, crucial for fundraising, have nearly tripled in price, making them unaffordable for many families, according to festival coordinator Jeanne Fleming.
The funds raised from these sales typically account for about 20% of the festival's budget. Fleming also expressed concerns that the stars might not arrive in time due to potential customs delays. In addition to these challenges, the festival has suffered a loss of grant funding, further complicating its financial viability.
The Sinterklaas festival, inspired by the historic Dutch figure who influenced the modern Santa Claus, has been a cherished community event. It features a children's starlight parade with large illuminated stars and celebrates the region's Dutch heritage. Fleming, known for her work with New York's Greenwich Village Halloween parade, has been instrumental in organizing the festival.
Despite past financial difficulties, including a scaled-down event in 2024, the festival has been a significant cultural event in Rhinebeck. The decision to cancel it reflects the harsh economic realities faced by many community events in the current financial climate.