Trustees approve Pride festival, Tour de Red Hook and legacy events; village to cover limited policing costs

Trustees approved several event permit applications and set limited conditions at their April 14 meeting, authorizing Red Hook Pride, a community bike ride called Tour de Red Hook, and legacy events including Apple Blossom Day.

Red Hook Pride (June 22) The board gave preliminary approval for Red Hook Pride parade and festival (Sunday, June 22), agreeing to waive most village permit fees as they did last year, with an exception for picnic table rentals (the packet indicates a per'table fee). The mayor said organizers should coordinate with the police lieutenant about staging and that the village will continue to refine a fee schedule for events going forward. Trustee discussion emphasized equitable treatment of legacy and new events and the need to define the village's annual contribution to community festivals.

Tour de Red Hook (May 4) The board approved a community bike event organized by the library and called "Tour de Red Hook," subject to logistics and safety requirements. Police staffing needs were discussed: the lieutenant estimated a two'officer overtime presence (Sunday, four'hour minimums) would cost about $680. The board agreed the village would cover two officers for the event and requested the library and other partners help offset any additional costs; organizers were asked to confirm water availability and whether porta'toilet facilities are needed.

Apple Blossom Day and other legacy events Apple Blossom Day (May 10) and other longstanding events were acknowledged and placed on the calendar; staff indicated those permits are typically routine and that fees have been waived for longstanding community events in prior years.

Public safety and logistics Trustees asked event organizers to coordinate staging, parade routes and public safety planning with Lieutenant Hillenbrand and the Red Hook Police Department. For events that require additional equipment (tables, tents) the board asked organizers to detail needs so the village can assess wear and any replacement costs.

Votes and abstentions The Pride permit passed on a voice vote; one trustee (Candace) abstained from that vote. Tour de Red Hook passed by voice vote with conditions noted (village pays for two police officers up to the four'hour minimum; library to assist with costs beyond that; water and sanitation logistics to be confirmed).

Ending Trustees said they want to adopt a clearer, equitable fee schedule for events going forward and will discuss fee policy at a future workshop; in the meantime the board will continue to support community events while asking organizers to manage logistics with village staff.