diff --git a/site/config/_default/hugo.toml b/site/config/_default/hugo.toml
index 2f6a3123..5966ebc2 100644
--- a/site/config/_default/hugo.toml
+++ b/site/config/_default/hugo.toml
@@ -109,6 +109,7 @@ disableKinds = ["taxonomy", "term"]
 [params.festival]
     name = "Bike Summer"
     active = true # set to true when festival is happening soon or now
+    merchSaleActive = false # set to true when merch sales are open
     donationsURL = "https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NQAUFEUSM49ZJ"
 
 # Main page image carousel
diff --git a/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/calevents/single.html b/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/calevents/single.html
index a18c57ca..d9a86775 100644
--- a/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/calevents/single.html
+++ b/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/calevents/single.html
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 
                 <div>
                   <!-- when PP is coming soon or happening now, display smaller banner that links to PP cal page -->
-                  {{ if eq (.Param "festival.active") true }}
+                  {{ if .Site.Params.festival.active }}
                     {{ partial "cal/pp-promo-banner.html" . }}
                   {{ end }}
 
diff --git a/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/calgrid/single.html b/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/calgrid/single.html
index 41e41c68..370d3a39 100644
--- a/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/calgrid/single.html
+++ b/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/calgrid/single.html
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
               </div>
 
               <!-- only display when PP is coming soon or happening now -->
-              {{ if eq (.Param "festival.active") true }}
+              {{ if .Site.Params.festival.active }}
                 {{ partial "cal/pp-promo-banner.html" . }}
               {{ end }}
 
diff --git a/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/partials/cal/pp-header.html b/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/partials/cal/pp-header.html
index 2cd842fb..f8314c47 100644
--- a/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/partials/cal/pp-header.html
+++ b/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/partials/cal/pp-header.html
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
       {{ if eq (now.Year) (.Param "year") }}
       <p>{{ .Param "festival.name" }} is <strong>three whole months</strong> of fun on two wheels. 
 
-      {{ if eq (.Param "festival.active") true }}<a href="/addevent/"><strong>Add your events for June, July, and August {{ .Param "year" }} now!</strong></a> Seeking inspiration? {{ end }}
+      {{ if .Site.Params.festival.active }}<a href="/addevent/"><strong>Add your events for June, July, and August {{ .Param "year" }} now!</strong></a> Seeking inspiration? {{ end }}
 
       View the <a href="/archive/pedal-palooza-archives/">archives</a> of past festivals. If you need help creating or editing an event, check out the <a href="/pages/calendar-faq/">calendar FAQ</a> or <a href="mailto:bikecal@shift2bikes.org">contact the calendar crew</a>.</p>
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
         </p>
       </div>
 
-      {{ partial "cal/pp-merch.html" . }}
+      {{ if .Site.Params.festival.merchSaleActive }}{{ partial "cal/pp-merch.html" . }}{{ end }}
 
       {{ end }}
 
diff --git a/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/partials/cal/pp-promo-banner.html b/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/partials/cal/pp-promo-banner.html
index 906ca8d9..ff973b46 100644
--- a/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/partials/cal/pp-promo-banner.html
+++ b/site/themes/s2b_hugo_theme/layouts/partials/cal/pp-promo-banner.html
@@ -7,5 +7,5 @@
     </div>
   </div>
 
-  {{ partial "cal/pp-merch.html" . }}
+  {{ if .Site.Params.festival.merchSaleActive }}{{ partial "cal/pp-merch.html" . }}{{ end }}
 </div>