Alabama Butterbean Festival Canceled, Cities Plan Replacement

0:00Hey, it's Corey, with the story with Bremmingham News today. Your city, your news, every day. The Alabama Butterbeam Festival, a 20-year tradition in Pinson, Alabama, has been canceled by the Clay Pinson Chamber of Commerce over a funding. Disagreement with city leaders. This popular vendru tens of thousands of visitors each year, with music, rides, food, and family fun celebrating the Butterbeam, and it put the area on the map regionally. Tensions boiled over when Pinson and Clay officials repeatedly asked to review the Chamber's finances, but got no clear answers. The Chamber then announced it was pulling the plug, claiming the cities had backed out on support, and said it's shifting to fundraising for schools. And first responders, instead of boosting local businesses. Locals and leaders expressed deep disappointment, with many feeling blindsided and heartbroken, over losing this beloved gathering. Pinson's mayor noted the city had given $10,000 directly, and $60,000 in services last year alone.

1:01And they were still. Ironing out details when the news hit. Now, Pinson City Council unanimously voted to explore hosting their own replacement festival, while Clay officials hinted at possibly starting fresh. Without the Chamber, a Chamber board member suggested they might revive the event elsewhere, not in Pinson. Both cities are moving forward with optimism, scheduling special meetings on March 26th for Pinson and March 24th for Clay to Hash. Out next steps and keep the community spirit alive.