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Council tables Big River Steampunk Festival request to allow more business input
Summary
Hannibal council voted to table a festival request after downtown business owners raised concerns about event length, safety and vendor timing; organizers and council urged affected businesses to submit written feedback before the next meeting.
Tammy Riley, representing the Big River Steampunk Festival, presented the festival request and answered council questions about logistics and vendor arrangements. A council member said several Main Street businesses have expressed concern about the event’s multi‑day length and some vendors appearing to set up earlier than road closures, and referenced a separate trolley-company misunderstanding as additional friction.
Council discussion focused on giving downtown businesses time and opportunity to raise specific objections. One council member said she had encouraged business owners to email their council representative rather than speak publicly, and asked staff to ensure merchants received direct outreach. Organizers said they supported postponing formal approval to allow affected owners to be heard.
A motion to table the festival request was made, seconded and approved on a voice vote. The council and the organizer asked business owners to submit written concerns or speak with their council member before the item returns to the agenda.
