Commission approves Waveney Arts Festival and Pops in the Park; family Fourth committee reports fireworks planning

At one meeting the commission approved two community event applications and received an update on Fourth of July planning.

Janet Singer, representing the Carriage Barn, asked the commission to approve the third annual Waveney Arts Festival to be held at Waveney Park in September. Singer described artist demonstrations, performances, workshops, food trucks, and roughly fifty artists and artisans at last year's event. The commission agreed the event was a positive community activity but reminded organizers that any commercialization such as approved food vendors requires Board of Selectmen approval. The commission approved the festival application on a voice vote.

Doug (event organizer) presented the Pops in the Park request, partnering again with the Norwalk Symphony for a June concert (June 8 with a grama date of June 15). He said organizers cap tickets at roughly 1,800 to manage parking; the event has used Eventbrite ticketing in past years and organizers plan improved sound systems and additional crowd management measures. The commission voted to approve Pops in the Park; members asked organizers to monitor parking and trash removal and to coordinate with Parks staff.

David reported on the Family Fourth committee. He said committee chairs and co-chairs have been recruited for most subcommittees, food-truck confirmations are approaching two dozen (fourteen confirmed, four pending), and the committee is adding a sensory-safety awareness component for attendees with special needs. Committee leaders set the Family Fourth date for Friday, July 4, with a rain date of Saturday, July 5, and an alternate date of July 12. David said staff are working to secure the fireworks vendor for 2026 and that the committee will hold a meeting on March 12 to continue planning.

Motions to approve the festival and the concert carried; the transcript records voice votes and did not provide detailed tallies.