Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events And Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves summer event permits; reduces Seafood Festival fee to $9,500 after Parks & Rec debate
Summary
Charlestown Town Councilors approved several community event permits Feb. 10 and set the Seafood Festival fee at $9,500 after considering Parks & Recreation’s recommendation to raise the charge to $10,000.
The Charlestown Town Council approved multiple event permits and associated insurance requirements at its Feb. 10 meeting, and set the Seafood Festival fee at $9,500 after discussion between Parks & Recreation and the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce.
The council approved the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival for Aug. 1–3, 2025, with camping allowed and insurance requirements set at $6,000,000 general liability and $2,000,000 liquor liability. Parks & Recreation initially recommended a $10,000 fee; the council split the difference and voted to approve the event with a $9,500 fee (roll‑call, unanimous among present councilors). Chamber representatives noted the event’s broader community contributions, including support for summer concerts, movie nights and other town activities.
The council also approved Rhythm & Roots festival (Aug. 29–31, 2025) with camping and the same insurance minimums; the council recorded a unanimous vote to approve the event and the $15,000 fee requested for that event. The bicycle event “Buzz the Tower” (March 29, 2025) was approved with $3,000,000 general liability insurance and a $300 fee.
A separate event, Sunshine Criterion (May 3, 2025), was tabled for further review under the town’s event procedures.
Council discussion focused on balancing the town’s auxiliary costs for services and safety (police details, portable lighting and cleanup) with the chamber’s financial and in‑kind contributions to town programs. Parks & Recreation provided a multi‑year fee history during the discussion.
