In a recent government meeting, the county council approved a local consent request for Prodigy Brewing's inaugural Community Craft Beer Festival, set to take place on September 22 at Mount Naomi Farms, an unincorporated area of the county. This decision follows recent amendments to the local consent process, which now allows for single event permits for alcohol service in unincorporated regions.

Kristen Smith, co-owner of Prodigy Brewing, addressed the council, emphasizing the festival's dual purpose: to foster community engagement and to raise funds for local charities through the nonprofit arm of their business, Community Craft. Smith expressed hopes of raising approximately $57,000 during the event, which she intends to make an annual occurrence.

The council's approval is a crucial step in a multi-stage permitting process, as the festival must also secure a permit from the state. This marks the first application under the new local consent process, which grants the council significant discretion in approving such requests. The motion to approve the festival's local consent was unanimously passed, allowing Prodigy Brewing to move forward with their plans.