The future of Keene's Pumpkin Festival is in serious doubt because of a bunch of drunk college kids, their friends and an irresponsible 'party' promoter (whose role in the mess that happened this fall has seemingly been forgotten) went crazy.

Keene Pumpkin Festival
credit Union Leader
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As the saying goes, this is why we can't have nice things.

Now I understand why Keene's City Council has reservations with regards to being on the hook for security costs moving forward, but I think it is fair to presume that last year was an anomaly. In the 23 festivals prior, nothing resembling what happened last year occurred. Can we avoid a hasty overreaction?

The good news is that Keene State has stepped in to assist festival organizer Let It Shine with security costs incurred last year, and rightfully so-- their students and students' guests played a large role in the mayhem.

It is absolutely foolish that Let It Shine should be held responsible for out of control parties that happened well outside of their footprint. Unfortunately, that leaves city councilors understandably hesitant to grant a permit because it is unclear as to who would pay for costs should things get out of control again.

It would be a shame to see the Keene Pumpkin Festival, with such a positive history and heritage, come to an end like this. We've got a jack o' lantern record to get back!

For more info, check out the story at the UnionLeader.com.

 

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