Downtown Festival, Johnson City

Stupid decision to move from downtown not yo mention absolutely ridiculous.

Keep in mind there are still people out there that aren't financially able to pay even one dollar to be able to enjoy these Festivities. I personally think founders Park is lovely but if blue plum has been so successful in the past why change it ?

Here is how I see it...Why not leave Blue Plum where it is Downtown, where it started and belongs, and then add or incorporate Founders Park into the equation and close/block off a couple of more blocks from where Lamont St turns into Commerce St at the corner of Wilson Ave by Mid-City Grill now for safety purposes of the people attending. But I am not sure if by moving this that they are going to be opening up Main and Market St, along with Buffalo St and the portion of South Roan St also, that is usually closed to traffic during Downtown Events like this and the First Friday Events during the spring, summer, and beginning of fall. If so of opening this up to traffic then I see a very big risk of safety for the people who attend Blue Plum...If that is the plan, if this is the case then I even more so disagree with the move. But to make everyone happy I think by adding or expanding Blue Plum to include Founders Park as another venue would be a better ideal and this also may bring in more people and/or bigger musical talent to Johnson City, TN. If anyone form the Johnson City Downtown Merchants Association would like discuss this possibility please let me know where I can get the full plans and I will give my input and help in anyway that I can.

I can't imagine Blue Plum not being downtown. Part of the fun is visiting vendors on the streets, and visiting the downtown businesses!

Downtown needs that business!! We r growing in leaps and bounds and restoration all thru JC is perfect! We want people to see that JC is a great place to visit and bring tourism (and $) to OUR town!

I've performed on a stage and on the street at blue plum since I was 12 years old. The festival was about bringing people down town. Not next to downtown. We should let our businesses continue to grow and give those who don't have the option to spend money for admission a place to go if you're going to take our festival.

All for anything to help the downtown area!! Why didn't the Blue Plum organizers think about moving all children activities to the park but keep the stages in the streets??

While I have some major issues with people walking around with the scariest animals they can find, including snakes, there is something about downtown Johnson City being opened to everyone for a good old-fashioned city festival. Moving Blur Plum to founders park will turn it into s geriatric lawn chair event leaving a void in the culture of Johnson City for those of us who aren't yet ready to throw in the towel on some summer reveling. I hope that the downtown association can get this going to help preserve their businesses and to give the Old Navy crowd a reason to go downtown at least this once. Good luck. May we not become Oak Ridge.

It is a terrible decision to move it out of the downtown area..

JC needs to stop wanting to CHARGE for every thing., The city makes enough off of Blue Plum as is. Ashville does not charge, they don't try to rip the people off like JC.

Please consider this festival. There is so much local talent that needs to be given a chance.

I support continuing a festival showcasing downtown businesses supporting music and arts.

I was so blessed to be a part of the 2002 volunteer team. As an out of towner, I was amazed by how much Johnson City made me feel so welcome. It would have no ways been the experience if the festival took place outside of downtown. Keep it as it is!!!! It is such a gem! Corinne Corvallis, Oregon

Have loved the festival since I was little would like to see it stay where it belongs :)

We can never have tooo many festivals willing to engage local talent to benefit local business. Go Downtown!

My kids and I have often traveled from out of town for the Blue Plum Festival. Part of the energy of the festival were the merchants and shop keepers. It brought a sense of community to the event. I'm sad to see this change.

We enjoy coming from Ohio to the Blue Plum festival!I love the location and setting downtown. It just seem'd to go hand in hand together!

IMHO moving the Blue Plum out of downtown was a bad move but only time will tell.

Moving it to the park ? I won't go

It is wonderful to have a festival that is accessible to all members of this community. I hope to see this come to fruition!