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How splitting Memphis in May and Tom Lee Park could cost Memphis millions

The park and the festival have been nearly inseparable since the 1970's. Splitting the two again in 2024 could cost the region millions.

Yvonne Thomas

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Published: 10:45 PM CDT October 9, 2023
Updated: 10:55 PM CDT October 9, 2023

This week, organizers plan on announcing the dates and venues for Memphis in May 2024. The nonprofit must find a new competition space for its World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest after sending a letter to competitors saying Tom Lee Park is no longer an option. Organizers cited a rift after a $1.4 million damage bill from the 2023 festival.

Looking back at the history of the festival, one historian argues the park and the festival go ‘hand in hand,’ growing together for decades.

It all starts with the heroic story of Tom Lee.

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