Organizers of Burning Man announced on Friday that the 2020 festival has been canceled. It now plans to build Black Rock City online instead. In the organization says it will try to offer refunds for those who have already bought tickets. But it's hopeful that people will donate that money to the event. As for burners and businesses who depend on them, this announcement is devastating.
Jessica Schneider's business Junkee Clothing Exchange is overstocked with costume supplies right now. She buys most of her supplies for the summer festivals in January, so there's more than 80 thousand dollars worth of merchandise filling her back room and shelves.
"I have the festival hats that people wear at Burning Man. Everyone dresses up. So I have everything in stock and ready to go," said Schneider.
But now there's no where to go.
"I'm sure they had their reasons. But really, people wear masks and goggles out there anyways. We could have stayed away from each other. We could have made it work," said Schneider.
She says sales from festival account for most of her yearly business, but it's the people she'll miss.
"I meet people from all over. We dress people from Germany every year and Ireland. I won't be able to see my friends," said Schneider.
Her business isn't the only one that will take a hit from this cancellation.
"Burning Man people come and stay in the hotels after, go to the pool parties, rent RVs and cars, water, and supplies. Cocktail waitresses with two kids depend on their tips. Yes its going to hurt me, but its really going to hurt all of Reno," said Schneider.
For her, there's only one solution.
"I'm probably going to organize a Burning Man party in August in Midtown Reno. I'm going to get art cars. I'm going to be proactive. I'm going to do whatever I can to get the Burning Man feeling in Midtown in August," said Schneider.
It may not be the playa, but it will likely be the best she can do to celebrate Burning Man this year.
