New Carlisle officials briefed the council and public on preparations for the Heritage of Flight festival, scheduled for Oct. 3'5, including traffic diversions, stage setup on Main Street and a festival security plan.
City Manager Hall said crews have been assembling the Main Street stage and that staff, working with the festival committee and the newly appointed Sergeant Evans Fisher, had developed a security package intended to provide maximum coverage for the least taxpayer cost. Hall said Sergeant Fisher attended a planning meeting and returned with a "very thorough plan."
During the public-comment period, resident Mike Clary, representing festival volunteers, described entertainment planned for the event. Clary said a company called Armbar Wrestling will erect a wrestling ring on Main Street and present roughly an hour to an hour-and-a-half of matches beginning Saturday evening at about 6 p.m.; he said the promoter is insured. Clary also said a dog contest will be held in front of the stage Saturday and urged residents to participate in an annual food drive that benefits the local food pantry.
Council and staff discussed street closures and traffic mitigation in advance of the festival; the manager said the city typically contributes to festival security because of large crowds and safety concerns. No formal council vote on festival expenditures or insurance was recorded during this meeting.
Officials also reminded the public that city offices will close at noon on Oct. 3 for the festival.