Butterbean Festival's End: City vs Chamber

0:00In Birmingham today, March 20th, the beloved Alabama Butterbeam Festival in Pinson, Alabama is no more after 20 years of drawing huge crowds for music, rides, food, and butterbeam celebrations. The Clay Pinson Chamber of Commerce pulled the plug, blaming a lack of city funding from both Clay and Pinson. But local leaders say that's not accurate, pointing instead to disputes over event rights and management. Earlier this week, the Chamber announced the end, claiming they were forced out when officials withheld support. City folks counter that they offered $10,000 in flat funding with no strings, but the Chamber insisted the festival and there. Organization are inseparable. They also hold trademarks on the name, website, and mascot blocking the cities from reviving it easily. Fans and longtime supporters are heartbroken over losing the Southeast standout that packed in tens of thousands each fall. Former Pinson Mayor Robbie Roberts tried mediating with Chamber board members, but found deep rifts with

1:02concerns about the event's quality fading under new hands. In recent City Council meetings, Pinson leaders questioned the Chamber's broader role beyond the festival, urging more involvement with local businesses. Clay tabled similar talks, which the Chamber saw as a funding cutoff signal. Now, they're shifting to education and first responder fundraisers instead of business support. With the next Pinson Council meeting set for Friday March 20th at 7pm, talks might heat up again, but for now, Butterbeen lovers will. Have to wait and see if a new fall event emerges in its place.