Sand Springs Herbal Affair canceled due to severe weather forecast: 'This decision was not made lightly'

The Sand Springs Herbal Affair event has been canceled due to the chance of inclement weather on Friday and Saturday.

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Organizers for the event made the announcement Thursday night, saying that they will not be able to reschedule the event.

"This decision was not made lightly, and while we are always prepared to face Oklahoma springtime weather with sun or rainfall, the current forecast holds high severe threats with high winds, lightning, and ping-pong sized hail Friday evening into all day Saturday. The safety of our staff, vendors, and participants must come first. We are also unable to reschedule this downtown event due to the upcoming construction in the event area."

Local Businesses Stepping Up:

Many of these small businesses rely on the Herbal Affair as part of their yearly income, and many plan all year for it. While the official event won't be going forward, several stores along Main Street are working to make room for vendors to be able to set up inside and still sell.

"It's devastating to hear that. We've had our business downtown for 10 years and this is the first time it has ever been cancelled," said Kassy Williams who owns Blush Hair and Makeup Lounge on Main Street.

Williams says her team plans for the Herbal Affair year round and that takes a lot of time and money.

News On 6 asked her how much she relies on this event financially.

"A lot. I mean it will be devastating for us financially as well," said Williams.

Across the street is YellowHouse Market and Boutique and this weekend is their second biggest day all year.

"It's usually the income that helps us coast through summer because those "J" months, June and July can sometime be slow," said owner Lisa Miller. "A lot of the people that we are hosting are like bakery type places because they've spent a week cooking all this stuff and if it doesn't sell it just goes in the trash. So it's basically like throwing money away."

The Show Goes On:

Lisa and Kassy say they already have several vendors coming.

"They work just as hard as we do and we just want to give them the same opportunity that we have, with us having a brick and mortar," said Williams.

They encourage people to still come out and shop Saturday from 8am to 4pm.

"Main street is not cancelled, second street is not cancelled. We are still going on with everything we had planned," said Miller.

Businesses Offering Space for Vendors:

1. YellowHouse Market and Boutique
2. Blush Hair and Makeup Lounge
3. Boulder Coffee
4. Coble's Creations
5. Hummingbird Soaps
6. Endless Treasures on Main
7. Love Your Skin by Jesska Lynn.