Louisville, Ky. - Lawyers for the company that owns legal rights to the Dr. Seuss' Christmas classic have become real-life Grinches, threatening legal action unless Louisville cancels plans to use " How The Grinch Stole Christmas" as part of its theme for this year's Light Up Louisville holiday celebration.
DLA Piper, lawyers for Dr. Seuss Enterprises, sent a "cease and desist" letter to the Louisville Convention and Vistors Bureau.
"It appears these lawyers' hearts are two sizes too small," said Mayor Jerry Abramson. "But we won't allow these Grinches to keep the holiday spirit from coming to Louisville."
Light Up Louisville - the community celebration of lights, fireworks, music and fun - will go on as scheduled on Friday night. However, organizers are making changes in their plans for a new part of the celebration called, "LouWhoVille," an area at the corner of Jefferson and 4th featuring free activities and games for children and families. The area will be renamed "Lou-ville".
"LouWhoVille" was slated to include costumed characters from the Dr. Seuss classic such as Cindy-Lou Who and the Grinch to entertain the thousands of children who attend. The center, sponsored by the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau, is a celebration of Louisville attractions with activity such as the Ali Center Giving station where children can make gift bags, the Reindeer Derby, and Louisville Slugger Museum's Club House low-cost crafts for sale for $5.
"The three words that best describe this legal action are as follows, and I quote, 'Stink, 'Stank', 'Stunk!'" said Jim Wood, chief executive officer of the Louisville Convention and Visitors' Bureau.
Abramson agreed. "Why can't they just let the Whos and the Lous down in Louisville have a little fun this holiday season?"
