 Organizers of the International Eelpalt Festival have made their first public comments regarding a possible change of venue for their annual event. Lakeland News first broke that story for you on our website last Friday afternoon and then later reported on it on our 10 p.m. newscast that night. Eelpalt officials have submitted an application to Beltrami County for approval of a permit to hold the festival on Lake Bemidji in 2018. The festival has been held in Walker since 1979. The Beltrami County Planning Commission will present the application to the county board tomorrow. Today, Eelpalt officials posted a statement on their Facebook site saying they are exploring any and all options to ensure a feasible future for the festival. The statement goes on to say Eelpalt organizers have been in discussions with Walker officials as well as community leaders in other potential locations and that no final decisions have been made. Officials also say the festival will take place in February somewhere, but the exact dates cannot be confirmed at this time. The statement says further details will be announced in the weeks to come. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.