by Mike Robinson
ELORA – Centre Wellington councillors approved the application from Riverfest to apply through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) to serve and sell alcohol in Bissell Park on Aug. 17.
In addition, council agreed the event can take place from 2pm to midnight to allow the event to be exempted from the municipality’s noise control bylaw.
The Riverfest Group is a local not-for-profit organization that holds the annual music festival to support cultural events in Centre Wellington.
Organization of the event takes into consideration the ongoing activities at Bissell Park such as the Elora Farmers’ Market and the KIPP (Kitchen in the Park Project).
This marks the fifth anniversary of the event, which was founded in 2009 by Marilyn Koop.
The first two events were held at the Elora Centre for the Arts before moving down to Bissell Park.
Event organizers are anticipating 1,000 people will attend the event.
They intend to make personal contact with residents adjacent to Bissell Park to make them aware of the festival.
Organizers are responsible to facilitate and pay for:
– AGCO special occasion permit application;
– security fencing for the perimeter of the event;
– security and off-duty paid police officers as required by AGCO;
– portable washrooms to accommodate a crowd of 1,000 people;
– food services as required by AGCO;
– staging, sound and light system;
– promotion and advertising of the event, and
– clean-up during and after the event.
In his report, managing director of community services Brian Detzler noted the rental of the park through a special permit is permitted.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said the event is always something to look forward to.
