Marshall County Blueberry Festival Coordinator Kris Snyder
Article submitted by Jamie Fleury, The Pilot News Group Staff Writer
MARSHALL COUNTY — The Plymouth Common Council affirmed their trust in the Marshall County Blueberry Festival Committee to facilitate a safe Beer Garden by approving Ordinance No. 2022-193, An Ordinance to Amend the Code of Ordinances of the City of Plymouth Concerning Alcoholic Beverages During Blueberry Festival on second and third read.
No one was present at the meeting to speak against the approval. Member Duane Culp who is also President of the Marshall County Blueberry Festival Committee abstained from the vote.
Festival Coordinator Kris Snyder affirmed her confidence in the Board of Directors in a follow-up interview. “As being the Festival Coordinator I do support the Marshall County Blueberry Festival Board of Directors.”
She validated that not every one on the board voted in favor of the innovation. “There were many concerns for this. This is a family friendly festival.”
She added, “Please come and enjoy but drink responsibly. We are going to have many policies in place and those are going to be followed. Security is going to be very strict.”
Snyder provided the policies thus far for the event. All State and Local Laws will be enforced. No coolers, no weapons and no smoking permitted. A no shoes, no shirt, no service policy will be enforced. Bartenders and servers retain the right of refusal of service to anyone. Bartenders, servers and law enforcement will have the authority to request anyone to leave at any time for any reason. Bartenders and servers will be licensed and will attend serving school prior to volunteering. No one will be allowed to exit the Beer Garden with an alcoholic beverage. Only those who are 21 years old or older with a valid ID can purchase drink tickets and enter the serving area. Wristbands will be provided to those who present a valid ID at the time of ticket purchase. Lewd and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
A minimum of two Law Enforcement Officers will always be in the Beer Garden. Up to four officers will be present if the crowd deems it necessary. The DJ who has been hired for the event is also a part time police officer and will be in the Beer Garden during open hours of operation.
“Last Call” will be made one hour prior to closing the Beer Garden. No more than two alcoholic beverages will be served to a single person at a time. There will be a family friendly area sectioned off within the Beer Garden separate from the serving area.
Tentative hours are Thursday, Sept. 1 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 3 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 4 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
Snyder said, “Come to the festival. Have a good time! We are going to have so many wonderful events, entertainment, and things for the kids. Still come out and enjoy the festival! We look forward to seeing you and we love to support all of our non-for-profit groups! Don’t let the Beer Garden stop you. You can still come and have a great Labor Day Weekend!”
