Officials in Keene have delayed action on whether to issue a permit to the organizers of the city’s annual pumpkin festival.
The Keene Sentinel reports city councilors voted Thursday night to send the issue back to the council’s planning, licenses and development committee for reconsideration.
That committee voted unanimously last week to reject issuing a permit to Let It Shine, the nonprofit group that organizes the festival.
However, Mayor Kendall Lane urged councilors to give the decision its due process and allow for more discussion on the festival’s future.
Last year’s festival was marred by riots that occurred just outside the event’s downtown footprint.
Dozens of arrests were made and the riots led to a $90,000 bill for overtime costs for police response.
This year would mark the 25th anniversary of the festival, which is held in October.
