Bagelfest is the largest event Mattoon hosts each year, so it was essential for the city to continue the tradition, despite staring a second "Do Not Drink" order in the face.

MATTOON, Ill. (WAND) - This weekend, Bagelfest returned to Mattoon. Organizers brought in water and ice for vendors and participants following water concerns throughout the week.

Angelia Burgett, the City of Mattoon Tourism and Arts Department Director, said the team started planning for water issues as soon as the first "Do not Drink" order was announced. 

"We made those accommodations to the beginning of the week, and then it just worked," Burgett said. "We were able to work with the health department to make sure that people could get the water for cleaning, for dishes and things like that." 

Burgett said Bagelfest is the largest event Mattoon hosts each year, so it was essential for the city to continue the tradition. Even after the "Do not Drink" order was lifted, they provided alternative water sources. 

One of the vendors at Bagelfest this year was La Luna Mexican Restaurant. They operated their food truck and alcohol services.

Owner Amanda Perdomo said the event helped make up extra income they lost from slow business during the water issues. 

"The food truck being there did help us out and make up for some of that," said Perdomo. "A few of the days were still a little bit slow at Bagelfest because people were kind of iffy about the water, but once it was lifted, by the end of the week, then it was back to normal." 

Perdomo said it will still take time to make up for losses, but Bagelfest was a good opportunity for the community to reconnect. 

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