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On behalf of the City of Maryville, we appreciate Blount Today’s coverage of the Foothills Fall Festival, as well as its attention to the matter of Downtown Maryville business’s participation as vendors.

As a critical point of clarification, the City wishes to emphasize a fact that perhaps was not fully made in this story:

Any Downtown Maryville business can indeed set up a street presence in front of its storefront if its proposed table, booth or activity falls within the Festival vendor guidelines (i.e. food vendors or proprietary hand-crafted juried art.) In fact, Downtown Maryville businesses have priority for selection as vendors over other vendor applicants in those two cases.

We disagree with any misinformation being put forth that Downtown Maryville businesses are simply shut out from participating. Nothing could be further from the truth. If Downtown businesses simply apply as vendors, go through the process, pay the very reasonable vendor fee and follow the provisions for the types of products and/or food/beverages to be offered, they are welcomed and encouraged to do so.

Vendor participation forms will be readily available for the 2012 Festival on the City’s website before the end of the 2011 calendar year, and we welcome Downtown Maryville businesses to participate.

Thanks,
Greg McClain
Maryville City Manager