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Sinterklaas Festival Canceled After 26 Years Due to Costs

10/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Sinterklaas festival in Rhinebeck, New York, has been canceled for the first time in 26 years due to rising costs from tariffs under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Prices for festive items, including lights from China, have nearly tripled.
Organizers could not raise the $125,000 needed to fund the event.
The cancellation affects an event that typically attracts 20,000–30,000 attendees.
Jeanne Fleming, the festival's coordinator, thanked the community and volunteers.

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Story summary

The Sinterklaas festival in Rhinebeck, New York, has been canceled for the first time in 26 years due to rising costs from tariffs under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Prices for festive items, including lights from China, have nearly tripled.
Organizers could not raise the $125,000 needed to fund the event.
The cancellation affects an event that typically attracts 20,000–30,000 attendees.
Jeanne Fleming, the festival's coordinator, thanked the community and volunteers.