Licensing commission approves permits for summer festivals, concerts and community events

The Lowell Licensing Commission on May 15 approved a series of special-event and public-amusement permits for late May and June, clearing applications for a fenced carnival on the South Common, Pride and cultural festivals, school block parties and multiple one-day alcohol licenses for fundraising events.

Commissioners said most applications were routine but asked applicants to coordinate operational plans—security details, fencing and crowd control—with the police department before their events.

The approvals cover: a Fiesta Shows carnival on the South Common (May 20–June 1, hours 1 p.m.–11 p.m.); the Greater Lowell Pride Festival (June 7, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sampas Pavilion); the Viva Kite Flying Festival fundraiser (June 15, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sampas Pavilion); the Lowell Community Charter Public School block party (June 6, 1–7 p.m., 206 Jackson Street); the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival on Hellenic American Academy grounds (June dates listed in the application); a fundraising concert organized by the Boston Business Elite Club (June 21, 6 p.m.–1:30 a.m., Hellenic Center; applicant estimated about 300 attendees); two UMass Lowell events held May 15 (ratified because they were occurring during the meeting); Arts League receptions (May 17 and May 24); a Masonic Center solstice festival (June 14, expected about 250 attendees); and multiple smaller one-day permits and amplified-music approvals.

John Flynn, vice president of Dean & Flynn doing business as Fiesta Shows, told the commission the carnival footprint on the South Common “will be completely fenced in, and we’ll have one entrance in and out,” and said organizers expect to hire police details to coordinate entry and crowd control. Flynn added the fencing will help police see who is entering and exiting the site.

Commissioner Krieger raised concerns about the South Common’s existing homeless population and how the carnival footprint would interact with people who use the common. Flynn and a police representative said organizers plan to coordinate details with the police detail office and that the fenced layout is intended to concentrate entry points for monitoring.

Other applicants described activities and expected operations: Hina Hutt said the Viva Kite Flying Festival will include dance and vocal performances and a DJ and will sell kites; Deborah Motu, deputy chief operating officer for Lowell Community Charter Public School, described family activities including a dunk tank and bouncy house; Julius (last name not specified), president of the Boston Business Elite Club, said his June 21 fundraiser expects about 300 people and will staff three bartenders; Edison Lima of Remy Entertainment said the Masonic Center solstice event expects about 250 attendees and three bartenders.

Most motions to approve were moved and seconded by commissioners and carried unanimously. For example, Commissioner Krieger moved approval of the Fiesta Shows application and Commissioner Tang seconded; the commission voice-voted the measure “aye” with no opposition. Several applicants joined the meeting by Zoom and were thanked after the approvals.

For events that include alcohol sales, commissioners confirmed that applicants had provided information about staffing, tipper/server certification and the number of bartenders. For larger events the commission emphasized coordination with the police detail office and that operational plans should be finalized with city staff before the events.

The commission did not modify any applications at the meeting. Applicants were advised to follow up with licensing staff and the police detail office on required operational paperwork and any additional conditions.

Lowell residents and event organizers with questions about an approved permit were directed to the licensing office for permits and compliance guidance.