Committee approves amended fairgrounds permit for Adirondack Grama season extension; operator proposes July fireworks contingent on local permits

The Building and Grounds Committee approved an amendment to the Adirondack Grama contract to extend the operator’s seasonal use of the Warren County Fairgrounds, and the operator asked the committee to permit investigation of a possible July fireworks display subject to municipal permitting.

Dean (staff member) presented a contract amendment to extend Adirondack Grama’s season on county fairgrounds, noting the earlier Warrensburg Bike Rally program had disbanded and the extended permit would restore a longer season of reservations and revenue. Andrew (operator, Adirondack Grama) told the committee he would like to set up as early as May 13 with the goal of opening for Memorial Day weekend and the Merricade event; he described setup taking 10–14 days.

Staff said the amendment would increase projected annual revenue under the permit from about $27,000 to roughly $31,930 with the seasonal extension; the contract currently reaches the last year of a three‑year term in 2025 and any longer renewal would be addressed later in the year. The committee moved to amend the permit and the motion, moved by Mr. Strainer and seconded by Mr. Merlino, passed by voice vote.

Fireworks proposal

Andrew also said he is exploring a fireworks display on a July Saturday (possibilities cited as the 11th or 12th) to be produced by Santori, a vendor that handles permitting for Lake George events. Committee members and staff emphasized that any county facilities permit would be contingent on the operator obtaining all required town permits and approvals; staff said they would not issue a county facilities‑use permit unless town permits and necessary insurance and vendor permitting were in place. The committee discussed notifying nearby residents and the nursing home, and staff said noise and animal‑safety concerns would be handled through permit conditions.

Why it matters

Staff framed the amendment as a way to preserve and possibly increase revenues at the fairgrounds after the previous rally ended. Committee members asked staff to require evidence of town permitting before county approval and to ensure standard facilities‑use conditions are attached to any fireworks event.

Next steps

Staff will amend the contract as approved, require proof of local permits and insurance before issuing a facilities permit for any fireworks, and follow up on potential revenue figures during the 2025 permit cycle.