Beaumont— Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick told KFDM//Fox 4 News there are no contractual obstacles preventing Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas from negotiating with Doggett Ford Park on a contract to move the he event from downtown Beaumont to the Interstate 10 entertainment venue.

Mardi Gras has decided not to renew its five-year contract with the City of Beaumont to hold the event downtown. Mayor Roy West told us it was not the city’s decision but entirely in the hands of SETX Mardi Gras.

Branick says the county attorney provided that advice to the commissioners court during an executive session Tuesday morning. He says it’s now up to SETX’s Mardi Gras, if he wants, to talk with Ford Park management about making a deal.

SETX Mardi Gras President Tim Romero told KFDM/Fox 4 anchor Erika Harris he wouldn’t go on camera until a contract was signed because he didn’t want to “spoil” a potential deal. He says they plan to meet with Doggett Ford Park management and the YMBL this Thursday or Friday.

The YMBL has had a contract with the county for more than a quarter century to host the South Texas State Fair at Ford Park. Executive Vice President Chris Colletti told KFDM/Fox 4 News that the YMBL feared a contract dispute if Mardi Gras had to move. Colletti says the YMBL has what is effectively a 90-day non-compete clause. Romero says Mardi Gras would not have carnival rides at its event, and the county says eliminating the rides will avoid a contractual issue.

President Tim Romero and Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas President Laura Childress spoke about their desire to move to Doggett Ford Park during an Oct. 29 workshop at Jefferson County Commissioners Court, but they said time is running out to finalize a contract and close the deal, as Mardi Gras will run from February 28 to March 2.

The YMBL hosts the South Texas State Fair, scheduled for March 27 through April 6 this year.

Judge Branick says the county’s goal is always to attend events at Doggett Ford Park.

“We always want the facilities to be used to their fullest potential,” Branick says. “If it’s a one-year contract, they can do it through the Doggett Ford Park management team and it doesn’t require a vote. If the deal goes beyond year, the court must be involved and vote.”