Bristol council approves Christmas Festival at Unity Park, with police and fire coordination

The Town of Bristol Council on Oct. 22 approved dancing and entertainment and mobile-food permits for the Bristol Christmas Festival at Unity Park on Saturday, Dec. 6 (9 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 7 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.).

Organizers Tanya Curon and Rayona Clements told the council the grand illumination will remain at the Burnside Building while the market and larger vendor layout will take place at Unity Park because the Hope Street area cannot contain the expanded market. Clements emphasized the event will not include a town-sponsored alcohol service; any alcohol would be sold only by licensed vendors.

Clements said entertainment will include dance groups, singers, a children's train, a Grinch photo opportunity and plans to coordinate announcements to remind attendees about the 4 p.m. street closure associated with the Burnside illumination. The organizers said food vendors would be chosen to avoid direct competition with on-site merchants.

Councilors asked about public-safety staffing; the chief confirmed police and fire detail will staff the event and that a safety plan will be followed. Councilor Tim moved and Councilor Tony seconded a motion to approve the combined festival requests; the motion passed by voice vote.

The organizers said they would coordinate with the police captain on circulation to avoid chokepoints and would post announcements leading up to the illumination to direct attendance. The council also thanked the small volunteer festival committee for its work.