Story County Fair Board secures BYOB approval for July event

During the City Council meeting held on June 24, 2025, in Nevada, Iowa, key discussions centered around the upcoming Story County Fair and the proposed changes to alcohol consumption policies in public parks. The meeting highlighted the council's efforts to enhance community engagement through entertainment and activities while ensuring public safety.

One of the primary topics was the request from the Story County Fair Board to allow attendees to bring their own beer (BYOB) to the fair, specifically in the Billy Sunday Field area. Derek Black, representing the Fair Board, emphasized the importance of increasing public involvement and creating a more vibrant atmosphere at the fair. He noted that the board plans to implement measures such as fencing and patrols to maintain order during the event.

The council members expressed their support for the Fair Board's initiative, recognizing the potential benefits of allowing BYOB in a controlled environment. However, they acknowledged the need for a formal approval process since current regulations prohibit alcohol consumption in parks without special permission. The council discussed the necessity of a liability form to protect the city from any potential incidents related to alcohol consumption during the fair.

The council voted to approve the use of the Billy Sunday Field for the fair, contingent upon further discussions regarding the liability form, which will be addressed in the next council meeting. This decision reflects the council's commitment to fostering community events while balancing safety and regulatory requirements.

In addition to the fair discussions, the council also moved forward with the approval of a professional services agreement with WHKS and Company for municipal engineering services, indicating ongoing efforts to improve city infrastructure and services.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's proactive approach to enhancing community engagement through events like the Story County Fair while ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public welfare. The anticipated discussions in the upcoming meeting regarding liability will be crucial in finalizing the arrangements for the fair.