Concerns centering on Weissport’s upcoming Redneck Festival were discussed by council members this week.

The annual festival takes place Labor Day weekend at the end of summer and is still scheduled to go on as planned despite many other fairs and festivals in the area being canceled due to COVID-19.

Because of the current state of affairs with our nation, concerns were brought to the table. The festival has a tradition of displaying the Confederate flag and it is used symbolically for the purpose of honoring tradition, not to spread racism.

“What if rioters show up?” voiced Councilman Thomas Ketchledge. “This is not something we want in our community. People from far away may hear about our festival and come prepared to do harm or to take our statues.”

Mayor Paulette Watson assured that officer Matt Williams would be on duty that weekend to assist security officers already hired by festival organizers. She said she would speak with organizers further to address council’s concerns.

Hope church events

Sam Carey from the Hope Community Fellowship church was in attendance asking about dates that the church would be able to use the park for its previously discussed events that they weren’t able to follow through with due to COVID-19.

Events included the “help your neighborhood day” as well as the movie night in the park.

“I know we have some extra wrinkles to sort out, but would definitely like to hold the events during the summer,” Carey said.

The Gathering Place on White Street is offering free clothing to people of all ages from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Other news

The drainage project on Bridge Street will be put out for bids in August.

The borough has decided to go ahead with the community yard sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19, with a rain date of Sept. 20.