Board permits canned cocktails at Feast of Lanterns after debate over alcohol in parks

The Board of Parks and Recreation voted June 17 to allow the Lanterns Foundation to sell packaged alcoholic beverages in the form of canned cocktails at the Feast of Lanterns event in Spades Park, following a staff recommendation and a presentation from event organizers.

John Gallo, an attorney with the Marion County prosecutor's office and a member of the Lanterns Foundation board, described the festival as a long‑running Near East Side neighborhood tradition with over 40 artist vendors, community booths and live music. Gallo said the event keeps alcohol vendors on the south end of the park, that vendors use canned cocktails rather than mixed drinks served over ice, and that security will monitor entries and exits. "You cannot enter the park with an open beverage. You cannot leave the park with an open beverage," Gallo said.

Brookside Park Manager Isaac Foley and neighborhood groups told the board they had not received complaints in prior years and that the friends groups encourage family attendance. Several board members acknowledged a long history of alcohol at this event but expressed concern about a broader increase in alcohol‑licensed events at parks. "Park usage is not really for alcohol and taverns," one board member said, urging the board to consider boundaries for alcohol in parks going forward.

Staff said the event’s security plan includes badged officers and contracted non‑badged security at street closures, signage and natural barriers (Pogue's Run) to keep the licensed alcohol area contained within the park. After discussion, the board moved, reluctantly seconded, and approved agenda item No. 23 by voice vote.