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Livonia study session moves Spree banners, permits and road closures to April 8 consent agenda
Summary
Organizers described safety additions for the Livonia Spree'126 (metal detectors, nominal fireworks fee), a five-year contract for Wade Shows, banner and sign requests for late May'6/29 and multiple street closures for Esprit 76; council placed the items on the April 8 consent agenda and said the Spree committee will examine a resident's safety and memorial request.
Sam Caramagno, speaking for the Livonia Spree, asked the council on March 23 to approve banner displays on Farmington and 5 Mile roads (May 22'6/29), a 4-by-8 sign at City Hall and Ford Field, carnival and amusement permits, a fireworks permit for 10:15PM on June 28 at Stamelski Veterans Park, and use of Ford Field and other facilities.
Caramagno said the Spree underwent an audit that returned a clean result and described several changes for 2026: a five-year contract with Wade Shows, expanded fireworks programming, 20 food vendors, a free shuttle, presale vouchers that return funds to PTAs, a $7.60 5K run fee including a shirt and pancake breakfast, and new security measures including metal detectors and a nominal entrance fee for fireworks night.
A resident urged the Spree committee to consider a memorial for a child who died near the event last year and suggested police presence or a traffic-signal change at Stark and Merriman to protect people crossing after the fireworks. Caramagno said the committee meets monthly and will raise the memorial and traffic concerns with the board and Livonia Police Department.
Council members offered approving-on-consent comments; chairing councilors noted the items will appear on the April 8 consent agenda for formal approval.
Why it matters: The Spree is a city signature event with traffic, safety, contracting and budgetary implications and recurring community interest.
