Down Syndrome Association fundraiser seeks Main Street closure and temporary lift of alcohol ban

Natalie Russell told the council she and her husband are partnering with the Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana to host a bike show, wrestling exhibition and an after‑party on July 11 and asked the council for permission to close Main Street for the event. “We are looking at tentatively shutting down Main Street with your permission, on July 11,” Russell said, and asked officials to consider waiving the alcohol restriction for a few hours for the event.

The request was added to the agenda by motion and approved by roll call earlier in the meeting. Council members asked Russell to provide additional details and paperwork; Russell said she had already met with the association’s board and would deliver the necessary information to city staff. She described the event as “pretty much just gonna be a cut and dry bike show” with a short program of related activities and a post‑event gathering at Zeus.

Council members did not make a decision during the meeting beyond adding Russell’s request to the agenda for consideration; staff and the sponsoring nonprofit will need to complete permitting, traffic‑control plans and any public‑safety conditions the city requires before street closure and any temporary change to alcohol rules can be authorized.