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Committee recommends licenses for farmers market tasting, fireworks and three downtown festivals
Summary
The Keene Planning, Licenses and Development Committee recommended city council approval of five revocable licenses for Copper Cannon Distillery tastings, a Swamp Bats fireworks display, the Taste of Keen festival, Pathways’ Four on the Fourth race and the Keen Pride festival, subject to standard permits and safety protocols.
The Planning, Licenses and Development Committee on Thursday recommended that the full Keene City Council approve a slate of summer and fall event licenses, including tasting sales by Copper Cannon Distillery at the Keen Farmers Market and a July 3 fireworks display by the Keen Swamp Bats.
City Clerk Terry Hood told the committee the distillery owner was unable to attend but had satisfied staff requirements to offer tastings and sell packaged product at the market. "They have met all the requirements to be able to do these tastings and sell their items at the farmers market," Hood said, prompting a motion to recommend council approval contingent on a signed permission letter, required state permits and compliance with applicable laws.
The committee also recommended a revocable license allowing the Swamp Bats to discharge fireworks at Alumni Field on July 3, with a makeup date to be coordinated with police and fire and conditioned on adherence to the city-approved safety protocol. Kevin Wat, president of the Keen Swamp Bats, told the committee the club had added a makeup date this year and coordinated with emergency services.
Other approvals recommended to council included a downtown street-closure and revocable license for the Taste of Keen food festival on June 6 (requested by Alana Fiero of the Keen Young Professionals Network), a license for Pathways for Keene’s Four on the Fourth road race on July 4 (Janelle Storio said the event usually attracts about 500 runners and a similar number of supporters; Council Jones recused on that item because she serves on Pathways’ board), and a revocable license for the Keen Pride Festival on Sept. 20 (Adam Teper, Keen Pride founder, said the footprint is slightly reduced this year because of construction).
Each motion included the staff-recommended condition that events comply with municipal licensing requirements and an approved safety protocol that becomes part of the license. Committee votes were recorded as unanimous or with a recusal where noted.
The recommendations now go to the full city council for final action; staff and applicants will complete any outstanding permit steps and coordinate safety measures in advance of each event.
