Police say crowding at Food & Wine festival impeded emergency access; board schedules workshop

Chief Holland reported to the Town Board that attendance at the Highlands Food & Wine event has increased significantly in recent years and crowd density created conditions that impeded law‑enforcement operations and emergency response. The chief said pedestrians repeatedly disregarded traffic signals and that crowded sidewalks and roadway incursions forced vehicles to stop, at times preventing officers and first responders from reaching people in need.

The chief said officers handled multiple medical incidents, including two intoxicated individuals who fell and struck their heads, one requiring transport to a hospital, and multiple calls for disoriented, intoxicated patrons. The chief cited enforcement challenges under the statute referenced in the presentation and said it was difficult to identify and stop over‑service during peak times given the volume of patrons. The chief also reported an instance of an attendee responding to officers with profanity.

After the statement, the mayor proposed a workshop with festival planners and stakeholders to address crowd management, public safety access, and noise complaints. Commissioners agreed the issue warrants more time and recommended scheduling a longer special session, with some proposing early January to allow wide stakeholder participation. The board directed staff to schedule a workshop and invited organizers to attend.

Ending: The board will schedule a workshop with festival organizers and stakeholders to discuss crowd control, emergency access and noise mitigation ahead of planning for next year’s event.