Board approves July 4 block party closures and temporary beer license, contingent on county sign-off

The East Troy Area Chamber asked the board to approve evening road closures for the June and July First Friday events and a full-day closure of the square for an America’s 250th block party on July 4. The request also included a temporary Class B beer license for July 4 and a waiver of the $145 late application fee.

Organizer Vanessa said the First Friday events (evenings 4 p.m.–8 p.m.) and the July 4 event (noon–8 p.m.; closures roughly 11 a.m.–8 p.m.) are intended to expand event space and improve safety by keeping pedestrians out of moving traffic. She described logistics: porta‑potties in the municipal lot, use of the Cobblestone lot and other nearby lots for parking, shuttles or golf-cart transport for accessibility, and signage and mailings to notify affected businesses and residents.

The police chief said he had been in touch with the county; Walworth County would route applications through the sheriff's office and county director, and he predicted county approval would likely come by midweek but warned that the August 7 First Friday date might be denied if Highway 20 full closure prevents practical detours.

Board members asked about impacts on businesses and residents and asked the Chamber to take responsibility for community notification and detailed traffic plans; staff said they will publish maps and signage and work with the police department on detour planning. The board approved the road closures for June, July and August subject to county approval, the temporary Class B license for July 4, and the waiver of the $145 late fee.