Madison Bar's Mike Thomas says he'll never return to Lancaster Festival downtown events

LANCASTER − City officials last year said Madison Bar and Grill owner Mike Thomas could possibly return to the Lancaster Festival's downtown events this year if he corrected health code violations in the food truck he sold fish sandwiches from.

But Thomas, who disputed any health code violations, said he is not returning this summer and will never return.

"No," he said. "They never said anything about inviting me. The only reason they got rid of me is because I had good business and the other vendors were jealous of my business."

Destination Downtown Lancaster is in charge of signing vendors for the downtown festival events. The Lancaster Festival board and staff have nothing to do with it.

This year, Gypsy Joe's Ice Cream will not be downtown for festival events. DDL Executive Director Amanda Everitt said that business did not stay open during the required amount of hours during festival week last year.

Whit's Frozen Custard will replace Gypsy Joe's.

"It's politics, my friend. Politics," Thomas said.

While Thomas will not be at the festival events, he said he has plenty of other events scheduled this year. He will also set up his food truck by his restaurant at 226 Madison Ave.

The Lancaster Festival will run from July 18 to July 27 this year. Wilson Phillips and Lee Brice are the headlining acts.

jbarron@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Madison Bar's Mike Thomas says he'll never return to Lancaster Festival downtown events