Union Gap Looking To Serve Beer At Old Town Days

Union Gap's annual festival to celebrate the city's history could come with a twist. The event organizers are pushing for a beer garden. Our news partner KIMA Action News reports Mayor Jim Lemon thinks it's a bad idea because of the new location. Union Gap's Old Town Days held June 15 through 17 will be on Main Street and in the Valley Mall parking lot for the first time. Lemon says in previous years the event was held in an enclosed park, but this year alcohol should not be served at a family event where people are getting in and out of cars among traffic.

Tourism director Scott Steinloski says the new location should attract more people. Steinloski supports the idea of beer sales by the Central Washington Agricultural Museum. It did last year at the old location. He says it's a way for the non-profit to make some money and that city officials have worked with him to handle the safety concerns. Ultimately, the police chief and Washington State Liquor Control Board will have the final say. Until then a hot debate continues over serving cold brews.