Group Denied Booth at Festival, Will Set Up Nearby
Posted/updated on: March 7, 2013 at 12:59 pm
PALESTINE Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans have decided to set up their own booth nearby after being denied participation in the Palestine Dogwood Trails Festival later this month. A member of the group tells KETK the booth will be separate from those participating in the festival, a couple of blocks down from the actual event. The booth will be in a new plaza, which the group plans to dedicate in April.
The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce informed the SCVs John H. Reagan Camp #2156 of its decision on Monday. According to a statement from the Chamber, The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce is FOR building a stronger community. Our volunteers spend countless hours doing so. It is not in the communitys best interest to allow politically divisive groups to participate in the Dogwood Trails parade or to be a vendor at the Festival. We are charged with the responsibility to operate on behalf of the city of Palestine.
Members of the SCV group said they were confused by the Chambers decision. They say theyre not meant to be politically divisive. According to one member, We are a historical group. Weve participated in past events without any problem. One person speaking on behalf of the group says, There is a lot of misconception out there. We just want to promote historical accuracy and act as educators in the community. But members add that theyre not looking for a fight. The decision on where to set up the booth was made at a meeting Tuesday evening.
