The Columbia City Council is looking into requiring tickets at this year’s Roots 'N' Blues 'N' BBQ Festival.
The city was originally hesitant about the idea until Thumper Entertainment, the company in charge of the festival, reimbursed the city $38,000 from last year’s festival. But now that the debt was paid at the July 6 Council meeting, the idea is back on the agenda.
Ticket prices could range from $10 to $25, depending on when they're purchased and the number of days attending, and children 12 and under will be allowed into the ticketed area for free. Steve Sweitzer of Thumper also mentioned a plan that would allow residents to volunteer their time in exchange for a ticket, but that idea is still being developed.
Despite the possibility of a ticketed area, Terry Woodruff of Thumper said a large part of the festival will remain free.
Last year an estimated 120,000 to 130,000 people attended the festival, but Thumper still owed the city $38,000.
Ticketing a portion of the festival could bring in more revenue, but it might also deter some residents from coming to the festival to see the headlining performances, which for the past two years have been free.
The Council will vote on a resolution about the festival at the July 20 meeting.
Would you still attend the Roots ‘N’ Blues ‘N’ BBQ festival if tickets (for a price) are required for some areas?