Festival’s return to Tom Lee Park not a done deal
The notion that Memphis in May had secured site for its 2023 event has been contradicted by operator
Memphis in May has announced the festival is returning to Tom Lee Park. But is it really?
On Thursday evening, Memphis in May announced — via its official website and social media accounts — that the organization’s annual events, including the Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, were set to return to its historic home at Tom Lee Park, following a one-year move to the Fairgrounds at Liberty Park due to ongoing construction at Tom Lee.
The announcement stated Beale Street Music Festival would be held May 5-7, with the barbecue contest set for May 17-20. But it appears the announcement was “premature.”
The notion that Memphis in May had secured Tom Lee Park for its 2023 festivities was contradicted by Carol Coletta, president and CEO of the Memphis River Parks Partnership, which operates Tom Lee.
“There is no contract,” Coletta said. “You’d have to ask Memphis in May what they’re talking about. Certainly, we have spoken with them and expect to talk to them further. But there is no contract right now.”
Asked if there could be any confusion based on recent communications, Coletta was unequivocal that that there was no signed agreement and no verbal agreement in place between the two parties for use of the park. “We have spoken about how they might use the park next May,” she said. “But, again, we do not have any agreement.”
Memphis in May’s Thursday announcement thanked Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland “for interceding and offering a solution to help with the financial implications of moving into a modified event site in Tom Lee Park in 2023.”
“Mayor Strickland recognized the cultural value and impressive economic impact that Memphis in May delivers for the city of Memphis, and we are grateful for his personal leadership to ensure the festival’s return to our longterm home,” said Leigh Shockey, Memphis in May 2023 board chair, in a statement on the organization’s website.
In a statement to The Commercial Appeal, City of Memphis Deputy Chief Operating Officer Dan Springer said: “The mayor has proposed a financial arrangement to cover damages to Tom Lee Park next May, which would include the City as a party. However, city council approval is needed, and any discussion of City participation is premature until the council can be briefed.”
According to Memphis City Council’s Tuesday agenda, the council is set to vote on a $500,000 Park Restoration Fund, which would be used to “cover expenses to repair or mitigate damage” from the festival to the park in 2023 and 2024. These funds are part of the funds appropriated for the renovation of Mud Island. Memphis in May has not responded to The Commercial Appeal’s requests for additional comment.
During its annual meeting in August, Memphis in May CEO James Holt appealed to Strickland for relief from the larger-than-usual security deposit Memphis River Parks Partnership was requiring due to the recent investment made in the park. Holt said the entire festival was in jeopardy.
At that time, Strickland said the city would not get involved in negotiations between Memphis in May and Memphis River Parks Partnership.
“Constant bickering between MIM and MRPP is not acceptable and does not achieve positive results for Memphis,” the mayor said in a statement in August.
It was also revealed during Memphis in May’s annual meeting that the organization has lost about $4 million since 2020, including a record amount this year.
The 2022 Memphis in May — the first full festival held since 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic — resulted in the largest economic loss in the organization’s 46-year history, $2.237 million for fiscal year 2022. The organization previously reported losing $170,927in 2021 and $1.8 million in 2020. The 2021 festival was scaled back, while the 2020 festival didn’t happen due to the pandemic.