Town weighs moving summer concerts; power and permits limit alternatives

La Conner council and staff discussed whether to move the already-started Gilkey Square summer concert series to alternate town locations and concluded late-season schedule and limited electrical capacity make immediate relocation impractical.

At the meeting Parks staff reported a town survey of possible sites and told council that several locations lack adequate power or parking. Staff noted the series had already begun, saying moving midseason would be “difficult, especially for moving it to outside locations where we don't have an agreement in place,” and recommended more lead time to formalize venue changes.

Councilmembers asked staff to meet with Sarah (the event organizer referenced in the packet) to explore splitting concerts—two weeks in Gilkey Square and two weeks at a dock or Wharf location—if partners can host and assume logistics. Staff said only a few sites had sufficient electrical capacity, and that a raised stage is available only at Gilkey Square, which affects feasibility.

A council member who attended a recent Sunday performance reported that parking and neighborhood impacts were minimal and that event organizers offered to keep volume lower to address neighbor complaints. Staff will reach out to the organizer to explore a trial relocation plan for later in the summer and to identify partners willing to accept responsibilities such as trash, parking and power hookups.

No formal vote was taken; staff will return with recommendations and any partner agreements if relocation is feasible.