By Matt Flumerfelt
VALDOSTA — A settlement has been reached between the Central Valdosta Development Authority and Black Crow Media regarding who can use the Jingle Bell Festival name. A hearing had been scheduled for Thursday morning at which Black Crow Media was planning to ask for an injunction preventing the CVDA from going forward with their plan for a Jingle Bell Festival beginning on Dec. 6.
The statement released by Main Street Coordinator Ellen Hill states, “In the spirit of the approaching holiday season and in the best interest of the community, the disagreement regarding the 2008 Jingle Bell Festival has been resolved between Black Crow Media and the Central Valdosta Development Authority (CVDA). The annual Jingle Bell Festival and Artist Market hosted by the CVDA will take place as planned on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 in downtown Valdosta. The annual Jingle Bell Run sponsored by the Valdosta Junior Service League and the annual Greater Valdosta Community Christmas Parade will also proceed as planned on Dec., 6, 2008. Black Crow Media will also host their Jingle Bell Festival in Drexel Park on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008. The community is encouraged to attend both events.
“After the conclusion of this year’s event, the CVDA will relinquish the service mark to the name “Jingle Bell Festival” with the State of Georgia. At that time, Black Crow Media may pursue its rights to the service mark with the state. In the future, the CVDA will continue to host an annual Christmas celebration but under a different name.”
Sue Cox, CVDA Board Chairman, commented that the board is pleased with the outcome of this issue and looks forward to the community celebrating this wonderful time of year.
Michael Linn, Black Crow Media president stated, “Black Crow is very pleased with the agreement reached by the parties and looks forward to both entities hosting successful events as the community celebrates the holiday season.”
When asked if Black Crow Media was concerned that negative publicity might result from a legal contest over who owns the right to use the name Jingle Bell Festival, Pope Langdale of Langdale Vallotton LLP, attorney for Black Crow Media, responded that he didn’t think that entered into the decision to settle.
