Village Board approves Saint Charles Fall Fest, allows cash raffle sales during August beer garden nights

Brianna (Bria) Alexander, identified herself as the Saint Charles Fall Fest organizer and said the event will run Sept. 5–7, 2025, with the same hours and format as previous years. "We are looking to keep everything the same," Alexander said, and described an additional plan to promote a cash raffle on the four Thursday beer-garden nights in August.

Why it matters: The board clarified that allowing on-site raffle-ticket sales during the village beer-garden nights sets a precedent for other groups seeking similar fundraising activities during public events. Board members said they preferred groups ask for permission rather than selling without asking.

Details and conditions: The Village approved the special-event application and a temporary Class B beer-and-wine retail license for the Fall Fest. The board also approved a temporary operator (bartender) license for Gavin Taylor III to serve at the event. The board required that the Fall Fest application include a site map showing the exact location where raffle-ticket sales will occur during the Thursday beer-garden hours in August.

Discussion highlights: Several trustees said a designated booth or 10-by-10 canopy in the vendor area or pavilion would be an acceptable layout for raffle-ticket sales. One trustee suggested the parish could be offered the park pavilion at a reduced fee and pay $25 per Thursday if that shelter is available. Another trustee emphasized equal treatment: if one group is allowed a fundraising booth, other groups seeking similar arrangements should be allowed as well.

Outcome: Motions to approve the special-event application, the temporary Class B license for Sept. 5–7 and the temporary operator license were moved, seconded and carried by the board. Staff (Tom) will work with the applicant to identify and note the permitted raffle-sales area on the application.