Council approves special-event permit for Next Step Project community walk with conditions

The Abbeville City Council approved a special-event permit May 20, 2025, allowing the Next Step Project community walk to take place on Aug. 2, 2025, provided the organizer submits required insurance and finalizes the route with public safety officials.

An applicant representing the Next Step Project described the event as a community walk intended to bring men together to greet residents and promote positive male leadership. The application named Caitlin Smith as the project founder and indicated the event would begin at Como Park and proceed through residential areas; the application listed a 9 a.m. start, while the applicant said on the record the walk would begin at 9:30 a.m.

The nut graf: the council approved the permit unanimously but asked for follow-up steps typical for public-process safety: insurance documentation, a confirmed route, and coordination with police and fire for on‑route coverage because of the August heat and the walk’s duration.

Council members and Chief Chris said the applicant must submit a certificate of insurance after council approval, and that the chief needs to meet with the organizer to finalize the walk route and to determine where participants will stop to speak with residents. The chief also recommended that either the fire department or an ambulance provider accompany the walk because of the heat and length of the route. The council set a timeline to meet at least a month ahead of the event to finalize logistics.

The council made and carried a motion to approve the permit; the motion carried unanimously.

Ending: Staff will schedule a meeting among the organizer, the police chief and other staff to finalize the route, confirm insurance coverage and determine first‑responder presence prior to the Aug. 2 event.