Festival Plan Shot Down

A Minnesota promoter’s application for a permit to host a multi-day festival in Fillmore County was reportedly shot down by county reps March 31 under a large-assembly ban.

The decision to ban large assemblies by the Fillmore County Board reportedly was already in the works but also included concern the proposed event would tax police, emergency and city services, as well as create overcrowding and traffic congestion, according to the Spring Valley Tribune.

“Last year, there was some concern about possible events, and the county set a moratorium for a year on large assemblies to determine whether it was a public safety issue,” zoning administrator Chris Graves said during a planning commission meeting. “A subcommittee was formed [and] they came to conclusions about the changes they want to make.”

Promoter Craig Smith reportedly tried to stress the positives of such an event – to be held on property in Beaver Township – especially the revenue that could be brought to the area – but to no avail, the paper said.

Smith’s festival would be designed to attract more fans than live in Fillmore County.