Blowing Rock council approves Tour of Homes use of lower parking deck with conditions

The Blowing Rock Town Council on April 8 approved a request from the Tour of Homes organizers to use the lower level of the Brahm parking deck for a private fundraising event on Tuesday, July 15, with setup beginning as early as that day and release of the space by midday July 16.

Council members said the motion passed unanimously. The council’s approval included conditions discussed at the meeting: organizers must obtain permits for any generators and for the sale/consumption of alcohol, provide liability insurance listing the town as additional insured, coordinate off-duty uniformed police for security, and work to limit the originally requested extended closure window where feasible.

Why it matters: The Tour of Homes is a recurring local fundraiser that generates significant proceeds for community organizations, and the council’s decision balances event logistics with parking availability for residents and visitors.

At the meeting, a staff member introduced the application and said department heads had reviewed it. John Jordan, co-chair of this year’s Tour of Homes, told the council organizers would assume responsibility for redirecting signage, purchase blanket liability insurance listing the town as additional insured, and hire Blowing Rock off-duty police officers during the event. Jordan said the group preferred exclusive use of the lower deck beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, July 14, through noon Wednesday, July 16, to allow setup and cleanup, but added they could “shave that” to a tighter schedule if necessary.

Council members asked about noise, restroom access and parking impacts. Jordan estimated the event could draw as many as 200 people, said music would be low-volume to allow conversation, and said Rumble Memorial Church had agreed to provide additional parking to offset any loss of Brahm deck spaces. He also told council portable toilets would be provided in the lower deck and that it was the organizers’ intention not to use the deck’s public restrooms if avoidable.

Council members expressed support for the event and emphasized the need to minimize disruption during Blowing Rock’s high season. After a short discussion a council member moved to approve the request; the motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous vote.

The council asked organizers to “do their best” to reduce the requested staging window; Jordan said he understood and expected to tighten the schedule to an earlier Tuesday start and cleanup by noon Wednesday if possible. The approval is subject to the standard permitting process and any required inspections for equipment or alcohol service.

Organizers and town staff will complete permitting and coordinate final logistics before the July event.