STILLWATER, — Organizers of a new festival in Stillwater hoped to keep politicians out of their parade by charging them $1,000 to march, but they were forced to back off the plan after the city informed them it was illegal.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the organizers of Stillwater Log Jam initially advertised the higher fee for politicians and political groups interested in appearing in Sunday’s parade. Nonprofit groups were charged $75.

Log Jam officials said Tuesday that politicians would now be charged $375 to appear in the parade, the same fee as other similar groups. They made the change after City Administrator Larry Hansen asked city staff to inform them that state law allows candidates to participate in such events for fees no higher than those charged to other groups.

The festival was organized by local residents who refer to themselves as “The Locals.” An organizer said the group wasn’t previously aware there was an issue with pricing structure.

In addition to the parade, the festival will include a fishing contest, lumberjack shows, a soap-box derby and bingo.