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Select Board approves Coast Fest and Harbor Light concert licenses after neighbors voice noise concerns
Summary
Select Board approved entertainment and liquor licenses for Coast Fest and the Harbor Light concert series after hearing from event organizers about production needs and from nearby residents about loud noise; police supported the events with enforcement caveats.
The Select Board approved entertainment and one‑day alcohol licenses for Coast Fest (Rise & Shine Productions/Crooked Coast) and the Harbor Light Illumination concert series after public hearings on Feb. 9.
Event producer Luke Vose said the Coast Fest production relies on a light and video show that needs darkness to be effective and that moving a 10 p.m. curfew to 9 p.m. would harm ticket sales and concessions. "You don't really see the light show," Vose said, arguing that the final hour is essential to the event’s financial viability and audience experience.
Neighbors and residents raised noise and sleep‑disruption concerns. Rick Maple, who lives 150 feet from the band shell, said recordings from last year showed sound levels exceeding 80 decibels indoors and asked the board to deny the licensing. The police chief reported only a small number of incidents and said the department supports the event when managed with appropriate detail staffing and noise mitigation.
After hearing both sides, the Select Board approved Coast Fest’s entertainment license (Aug. 1, 3 p.m.–10 p.m.) and related one‑day alcohol permits and approved six liquor licenses for the Harbor Light concert series (evenings through mid‑August). Board members urged organizers to minimize noise impacts, indicated the department would continue to respond to complaints, and asked event operators to cooperate with police and public‑safety recommendations.
