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Commission approves temporary alcohol consumption areas in Wilson Park for two spring events
Summary
The Arkansas City Commission approved two ordinance exemptions to KSA 41-719(c) allowing sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor in designated areas of Wilson Park for Takalala (May 3) and the Merchants' spring event (April 26). Both measures passed on roll-call votes.
The Arkansas City Commission on April 1 approved two separate ordinances exempting the application of KSA 41-719(c) to permit the sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor within designated areas of Wilson Park for two upcoming events.
The first exemption authorizes alcohol sale and consumption in a mapped beer-garden area at Wilson Park from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the Takalala festival on May 3, 2025. Staff presented a park map showing barricade locations, trash and picnic areas and a roped-off beer-garden area that will include ID checks and a gated entry. Staff said only adults 21 and over will be permitted inside the beer-garden area and that event staff will use plastic cups rather than glass.
The second exemption applies to the Merchants' spring event (described in the packet as a "spring fling"), allowing sale and consumption within a designated area of Wilson Park from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 26, 2025. Staff said layout details would be similar to prior years with the beer-garden area positioned near the rotunda and not encroaching into the tennis courts for this event.
Both measures were called up for roll-call votes. Commissioners Spillman, Stover, Tweedy, Warren and Mayor Beeson voted "Yes" on the Takalala exemption, and the same five voted "Yes" on the Merchants' event exemption; both ordinances passed. The record shows event organizers will check IDs at the gate and use plastic cups; staff also noted trash cans, barricades and volunteer/contract security will be in place.
Staff said the layout maps included in the packet are intended to be used for future planning and show where barricades, trash receptacles, picnic tables and dumpsters will be placed. The beer-garden area will include a supervised gate and signage restricting under-21 entry during the events.
Commissioners and staff emphasized that only adults 21 and over will be allowed inside the roped beer-garden areas and that event operators will be responsible for ID checks and crowd control.
