Council approves Taste of Brighton regatta and fireworks on Mill Pond, with water tests and legal safeguards

Brighton City Council on May 2025 approved an amendment to the Taste of Brighton civic-event permit to allow a daytime boat regatta and a nighttime fireworks show on the Mill Pond, but the council attached specific conditions before the event can proceed.

The council voted to approve the amendment with conditions that require: water-quality testing close to the event date (staff recommended testing the week of July 6, with discretion given to staff to schedule testing as close to the event as possible depending on lab turnaround), city-attorney review and approval of the participant waiver, proof of insurance and indemnification of the city by the event sponsor (Friends of the Taste of Brighton), and any other safety conditions identified by the fire marshal. Council member Gibson made the motion; Council member Pettengill seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The Mill Pond has been largely a passive recreation area; the proposal to stage boats and fireworks drew detailed discussion about public-health risks, safety staffing and precedent for future events on the pond. Council balanced community enthusiasm and public-safety…