In past years, Albany Tulip Fest attendees would tote along their coolers filled with cold alcoholic beverages of their liking, staking their spots on the lawn in front of the stage, without worry or concern that there would be any problems. Well all that is about to change…
Beginning this year, Albany Tulip Fest will now be enforcing a “closed container” policy, meaning no outside alcohol is permitted at the event, and responsible drinking will be confined to a beer garden by the main stage where beer and wine will be sold for $4 per beverage.
While many are blaming those pesky Kegs N Eggs rioters who got a out of hand last month (and caused over $6000 worth of damages to cars and property) for the strict new “closed container” policy enforcement this year at Tulip Fest, officials say it has nothing to do with them.
According to Mayor Jerry Jennings, the new closed container policy at Tulip Fest is an effort to make the event (which falls on Mother’s Day weekend, May 6 – 8, 2011) more “family friendly.”
As a mother, I will be the first to say kudos to Tulip Fest for making this policy change. Though I have never seen anyone getting out of hand at the event in previous years, there is always that worry, and it certainly sets a different tone for the event. I believe this is a change for the better, and will hopefully make it a more refined event that is more appealing as a Mother’s Day weekend outing that is truly “family friendly,” as is their goal.
Coolers will still be allowed at Albany Tulip Fest, but they will be subject to search, so make sure you are toting only non-alcoholic beverages and food!
Learn more about the Albany Tulip Festival 2011…
What’s your opinion?
Do you think the new closed container policy is a good move or a bad move on the part of Albany Tulip Fest organizers?
