Advertisement Sacramento Pet Expo canceled days before event Some vendors lose thousands of dollars Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Some Northern California animal enthusiasts received disappointing news Friday about Sacramento's first Pet Expo at Cal Expo.Watch report: Sacramento Pet Expo canceled days before eventThe event was scheduled for Dec. 6, but organizers said the volatile situation in Ferguson was behind the cancellation.Now some vendors, like Eden Halbert, are out thousands of dollars."So, when I heard the cancellation, to me that was like waking up on Christmas morning with coal in the stocking," Halbert said Monday.After almost six months of planning for the event, Halbert is left with a kitchen full of boxes filled with banners, signs and marketing material.Halbert is the owner of a dog boarding and photography business in Placerville."If I had any more notice -- any more, even a few days, I would not be left with a pile of boxes of products I can't use," she said.In total, she said, she's out $5,000. About $900 went into reserving two corner booths.And 120 vendors paid for tables at Saturday's event, only to receive a cancellation email three days ago from the Amazing Pet Expo's CEO, Sheila Rilenge.The St. Louis-based company cites the ongoing tension in nearby Ferguson for its decision, plus limited staffing to put on two California expos scheduled for the same day.The other event is still being held in Pomona.Here's an excerpt from the email that went out to participants: "…We do not have ample staff available who feel comfortable leaving their home, young children, elderly parents and/or pets in order to travel across the country to produce both events."Organizers said refunds will be given out, but Halbert said it's more than just the money."It's less about these costs, and more about the lack of opportunity to get in front of possible great customers," she said.Eden has corresponded with Rilenge, but said she's still left with a lot of questions.Rilenge did note in her email that someone on the team would be making phone calls Monday to the people affected.Any further questions can be directed to 800-977-3609 ext. 100.