Family Committee seeks board confirmation of events calendar; farmers market moved to pavilion

The Bluff City Family Committee presented a calendar of events it drafted in 2022 and asked the board to formally protect and reapprove the list so vendors and community organizations can plan ahead.

Committee leaders said the calendar was prepared before the administration change and that other nearby towns use resolutions to protect recurring community events. Committee members and board members emphasized the economic and civic benefits of preserving markets, heritage events and family activities.

The town manager determined the weekend farmers market would move to Wells Park pavilion to reduce traffic and parking conflicts with adjacent ballfield activity; the move was described as an administrative approval rather than a new board vote. The committee said vendors typically start in mid-May and that the Farmers Northcut season begins May 17. The committee also told the board it will coordinate vendor set-up times (vendors expect to be packed up and out by about 1:15 p.m.).

Public-safety and logistics: board members discussed whether additional police presence would be needed for larger spring markets; the committee and town manager said routine patrols have sufficed but they may request added patrols for larger events. The board and committee also discussed food trucks, placement near the river, and partnering with local businesses to expand attendance.

Administrative next steps: the town manager will confirm reservations and permitting and report back to the committee. The board asked staff to provide a clear permitting timeline and to coordinate with ballfield organizers to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Ending: committee leaders asked for a formal resolution to protect recurring events; the board directed staff to gather the specific language and examples from other jurisdictions and return a draft for consideration.