‘Memphis in May’ organizers hope to secure Tom Lee Park contract on Tuesday

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Is Memphis in May still happening?

Mayor Jim Strickland accused event leaders of missing a key date to solidify the contract.

“Memphis in May canceled the meeting that we were going to finalize the deal last Tuesday,” he told FOX13′s Valerie Calhoun on Good Morning Memphis. “So the delay now is on Memphis in May.”

Event organizers do not yet have a signed contract with the city, but they remain hopeful.

“Memphis in May remains an active and willing negotiating partner seeking a lease for the 2023 festival events in Tom Lee Park,” wrote a spokesman.

He told FOX13 that the organization is grateful for the city’s cooperation in resolving the lease issues. Tom Lee Park is still under construction.

“We look forward to finalizing the remaining issues in meetings scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday, February 14th),” the spokesman wrote. “We look forward to another exciting Memphis in May festival on the riverfront this May.”

In the meantime, fans of blues and barbeque hope to see the festival return to Tom Lee Park.

“I’m hoping that they can get it together, you know,” said Carla Powlis. “So we’ll be fine. We’ll be all right.”

“It feels so good to be down here,” said Travis Watson, who loves to drive up from Tunica for the festival. “You know, I love it.”

“I love the shows and everything,” said Dewayne Jones. “I mean, it brings in a lot of people, you know?”