Drag Queen Bingo causes Howell city leaders to cancel annual festival then compromise with no alcohol

Howell is the conservative small town with a big diversity controversy. For 60 years the Melon Festival has been held as a family-friendly weekend tied to the local crop. It was canceled last year due to COVID. It was canceled this year after Drag Queen Bingo was added as an attraction. Howell business owners, including Keith Ridge, owner of Black Iron Coffee, stepped in to save the festival. It is their biggest weekend. They’re still recovering from COVID losses.