200 seek refunds for Zozobra tickets in first 24 hours
About 200 people had completed refund requests within 24 hours after the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe posted a form on its website to make amends to those who missed out on Friday’s Zozobra burning, the event’s organizer said.
“We’re trying to be transparent, and people have been responding in a civil way,” Ray Sandoval, who heads the Zozobra effort, said Sunday.
The Kiwanis Club announced its refund plan Sunday, less than two days after controversy arose when the approach of lightning and rain, plus a change in the event’s security process, combined to leave as many as 1,500 to 2,000 people outside the gates when Zozobra burned late Friday night.
The Kiwanis announced a process for a full refund, plus a complimentary Zozobra poster and complimentary tickets to next year’s burning.
An option for hotel compensation was made available for those who spent money on a room Friday night but couldn’t get into the event.
Sandoval said Monday afternoon that a couple of hundred people had completed the refund process online, and while he acknowledged there could be some who may try to take unfair advantage of the refund offer, he noted “it’s really going to be an honor system.”
“This is going to be a pretty seamless effort we can do,” he said.
The deadline to apply for the refund is Oct. 15.
Sandoval said despite Zozobra’s myriad issues Friday night, there are no plans to restrict ticket sales or reconsider the event’s location.
“We can handle this event,” he said. “Fort Marcy, even with all of its challenges, is still the best place.”
Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe President Scott Wiseman acknowledged many different factors Friday created a perfect storm of issues.
“When you plan an event of this magnitude and scale, there’s unseen factors,” he said. “We’re looking at all the factors and we’re going to ensure a situation like this doesn’t happen again.”
As an announced crowd of 62,460 endured intermittent rain and flashes of lightning at Fort Marcy park waiting for the burning, Zozobra was engulfed in spectacular flames 15 minutes earlier than scheduled to take advantage of a break between two storm cells.
At the security gates, guards were slowed by the number of people with backpacks that required thorough searches. It was the first time in many years backpacks had been allowed into the event, but the screening process slowed entry into the park.
People waited in line for an hour or more; when some discovered
Old Man Gloom would burn earlier than anticipated, many jumped the gate.
With concerns that some could sneak weapons into the event, Sandoval said organizers decided to close or block all gates. Those who didn’t get in crowded around ticket booths after Zozobra burned, many calling for refunds.
“Unfortunately in today’s day and age and what goes on, security needs to be at its top,” he said. “We tried something new … and it didn’t work.”
Sandoval said backpacks once again will be banned next year.
Sandoval said the event will provide lockers on site for those who bring backpacks. Food will still be allowed inside, but only in clear plastic bags.