Council approves street closures for Seymour High homecoming street dance on Oct. 18

The Seymour City Council on Thursday approved street closures for a community homecoming dance organized by Seymour High School juniors, scheduled for Oct. 18, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Students asked the council for permission to block the intersection of Washington and McLean streets for the event; the council granted the request by voice vote.

Student organizers said the dance is intended as a community fundraiser to help pay for prom and related expenses. Junior class president Emma Kate Pribla told the council the students planned ticketed admission, bracelets to track re‑entry and volunteer shifts for supervision. “We aim to create a fundraiser that not only provides financial benefits, but also fosters community spirit and town pride,” she said.

City staff noted the lot the students hoped to use for a music setup is privately owned and advised the organizers to secure permission from the owner (Harry and Patricia Portwood were mentioned) or the bank that supplies power for adjacent events. Council members also recommended a closure area encompassing McLean at Ferguson’s, Washington at Seymour Helping Hands to the courthouse, and the corner near United Pharmacy to ensure access to electricity and space for staging and parking.

The council discussed logistics including barriers, who would place and remove closures and restroom access; students said they had volunteers from their class to supervise the event and would manage admissions using bracelets. The council approved the street closures and asked organizers to coordinate details with city staff, the street department and the property owner before the event.

What happens next: student organizers must secure permission to use the private lot for staging and coordinate power, restroom and barrier placement with city staff as directed.