HOWELL (WWJ) -- The Howell Melon Festival will go on this year, but with no alcohol.
The compromise came after some residents became upset over Drag Queen Bingo being added to the festival's lineup this year, prompting the initial cancellation.
After some residents stepped in to save the event -- which was also canceled last year due to the pandemic -- the no-booze agreement was reached, along with the stipulation that Drag Queen Bingo would be moved to the Howell Theater.
The 21-and-over event is now completely sold out.
In a statement, city leaders maintain that they axed the beer tents and plans for an outdoor drinking district over safety concerns, not social opinions.
"The action taken was not clouded by an opinion, does not take a social side, was not motivated by politics rather a discussion-based purely on the concern over safety,” the statement read. “As we have learned from examples displayed after various sporting events that involve high emotions, large crowds and alcohol, things can take a drastic turn quickly."
The festival will take place in downtown Howell from Friday, August 13 through Sunday, August 15.
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