Devon Horse Show organizers appeal ruling that gave it a $3 pay out in lawsuit with township

It costs more for an iced tea at the Devon Horse Show than the damages it was awarded in a lawsuit. Now, organizers of the annual country fair on the Main Line are appealing the ruling that gave it a $3 payout. The Devon Horse Show sued Easttown Township over special-event fees — $75,000 a year it paid from 2022 through 2024. A federal judge ruled the township "abused its discretion" in setting those fees, violating the show's First Amendment rights as well as the state Constitution. But because the show had agreed to pay $75,000 a year under an earlier settlement, the judge called it "reasonable...for services rendered by the township" and denied a refund. Lawyers for the Devon Horse Show argue the money was "illegally collected" and are asking the judge to award it back. The ruling wiped away more than $51,000 in unpaid invoices to the township, and Devon is also entitled to attorneys' fees. (photo credit: Brenda Carpenter Photography)