After giving the go-ahead earlier this summer to a scaled down Pumpkin Festival, the Keene City Council is now putting a permit on hold.
Organizers are planning for a smaller, tamer festival this year; one that would include more involvement from area school children. However, City Councilors are expressing concern that they could see a repeat of the riots that broke out in 2014.
“We received three letters: one from the Keene State College President, one from the Fire Chief, and one from the Police Chief, all of which warning us of impending trouble,” says City Councilor Terry Clark.
Clark says police and other officials recently discovered social media posts promising widespread parties. On Thursday, the Council voted unanimously to revisit the permit.
A Council committee will take up the issue next Wednesday, with a full vote for the Council planned for later this month.
The non-profit group Let It Shine hopes to hold the event Oct. 29.
