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Two downtown Ypsilanti groups have passed resolutions opposing the term 'Ypsitucky' as the name of a bluegrass festival scheduled for September.
The Downtown Association of Ypsilanti and the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority passed the resolutions Wednesday evening and this morning, respectively.
Karyn Maurer, YDDA board member, proposed the resolution at this morning's meeting. The resolution states the use of the name Ypsitucky in a community event is a "derogatory and negative stereotype that is not in keeping with the Blueprints report adopted by the YDDA."
"I think it’s a stupid business decision to create a name like that," YDDA board member Scotty James said at this morning's meeting. "You can't promote this festival on a broader scale because nobody is going to know what Ypsitucky means.
"It just seems awkward," he said.
The Depot Town Community Development Corporation, a non-profit that operates Riverside and Frog Island parks, is promoting the Ypsitucky Jamboree as an event to raise money for the preservation and maintenance of the local parks.
The DTCDC faced opposition to the name at a Human Relations Commission meeting Monday evening. HRC board chair Clifford Larkins asked that those opposed and not opposed to the name sit down with a mediator to discuss the issue. As an alternative the HRC could forward the issue on to city council.
Andy French, DTCDC board member, announced last night that the DTCDC would be willing to make some concessions but asked the festival keep its Ypsitucky name, at least for this year.
Related stories:
Group makes compromises on 'Ypsitucky' name
HRC asks for mediation of 'Ypsitucky' discussion