Branford Festival Committee approved to use Hammer Field pending final approvals

The Branford Board of Recreation voted unanimously Feb. 11 to approve the Branford Festival Committee’s request to use Hammer Field for the 2026 Branford Festival, with the condition that the committee submit a final layout and secure any required town approvals.

The motion to accept the request pending a final draft and all necessary town approvals was made by Helen “Bimmie” Herget, seconded by Jeanne Crowley. The board recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

The committee’s use request included proposed changes to the site layout intended to improve pedestrian flow and event operations. The minutes note that a facility-usage form will be submitted by the Branford Festival Committee; the transcript does not record the form’s filing date or any permit conditions.

Christina Restituto is listed in the meeting attendance as a representative of the Branford Festival Committee; the record does not attribute direct spoken remarks to her in the minutes. The board said it will require final approvals from the relevant town departments before the festival permit is finalized.

Next steps: the committee must submit the facility-usage form and receive any necessary town approvals before the reservation of Hammer Field is finalized.