Forever Neverland Organizer Speaks Out
For the first time, the organizer in the middle of a firestorm of controversy went on-air to explain what went wrong with a music festival that concertgoers on the Central Coast say was a huge bust.
Valerie Wang spoke with Adam Monteil, the host of “Up & Adam,” on our sister station Q104.5.
Wang promised things like a slip and slide, foam pit, games, rides, and close to a half-dozen more activities for people to enjoy at weekend music event she planned in Avila Beach.
However, those who paid big bucks to attend the event told our reporter Cory James that only two of the more than 12 activities promoted were actually there and say one was not even fully functional.
Wang, who according to Linkedin is the founder and CEO of Forever Neverland, defended her event to Monteil on his morning show. She expressed that her team thought they “were able to deliver on the majority of what [they] said [they] would.”
Wang did not go into detail on what happened to cause things to fall apart but admitted things did not run smoothly on the first day of the show.
She expressed that there were a few challenges by Saturday, but said by evening it looked like “folks were enjoying themselves.”
Staci Shultz listened to Wang apologize and try to clear up what happened on the radio. Shepaid over $300 for a VIP pass ticket to the event and told KCOY/KEYT/KKFX that Wang just “keeps making up excuses.”
Shultz says people spent hundreds of dollars to enjoy what was advertised, which is why she and others want Forever Neverland to refund those who are upset with how things panned out.
Wang is aware that people are demanding refunds. She added it’s something she would like to offer to “all of the angry customers in some way shape or form,” but not something she can guarantee.
Groupon, though, is offering a refund to people who used it to purchase a ticket to the event. The company says it is “always working to make sure every deal is unique, fun, and a great value.”
The San Luis Obipso Sheriff’s Department understands why people are upset. The department’s public information officer, Tony Cipolla, says “Unfortunately since there is no evidence of intent to deceive,” the sheriff’s office is not able to open and start an investigation.
