PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio — When organizers canceled this year's Bash on the Bay, the popular annual concert at Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island each August, many fans were disappointed.
More than two months later, many are also angry that they're still waiting for refunds on their tickets.
Eric Pohlabel knew tickets to Bash on the Bay would cost him more than $600, but he decided to make the splurge as a treat for his wife.
"She actually, back in January, when it was first announced, indicated that she'd love to go to see Luke Bryan," he said.
"She's kind of a fan. So, I bought tickets."
This year's festival was scheduled for Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 with Pitbull booked to headline the show on the first day and Luke Bryan to play the second day. However, heavy storms with pounding rain hit the area, forcing organizers to first postpone, then cancel the second day of the event.
Pohlabel said he was given the option to receive a refund or to attend the show in 2024.
He said communication with Bash on the Bay and their vendor, E-tix ,was challenging and limited. He was told to be patient.
After waiting 10 weeks for his refund, Pohlabel said he found a different avenue to get his money back.
"I went ahead and filed a dispute with my credit card company," he said. "My credit card company immediately refunded me the money so it's not really about the money for me at this point, it's about, hey, this ticket vendor and this event organizer don't seem to be interested in getting people back their money."
After voicing his concerns on Facebook, he said communication with the event organizers came to an end.
"Bash on the Bay Blocked me," he said. "Immediately blocked me."
WTOL 11 reached out to the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce. In response, the chamber sent a message that reads, "Bash on the Bay 7 will be announced this Monday and go on sale next Friday. Anyone still holding tickets from this year's rained out show will be able to convert or get a full refund. Most have indicated they will be converting once the show is announced."
The organizer said anyone in need of a refund has to be patient because the refunds are all handled manually.
Pohlabel said he remains frustrated and wonders why the organizers are planning next year's event when they haven't refunded tickets from this year's event yet.
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