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Commission recommends permit for Johnny Holm Band Memorial Day concert at Maple Lake Pavilion
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a Large Gathering Permit for a Johnny Holm Band concert May 24 at Maple Lake Pavilion, imposing conditions including a 1,250 crowd cap, 511 building occupancy limit, perimeter fencing, 15 portable toilets, security and a $25,000 clean-up bond.
The Polk County Planning Commission on April 24 recommended approval of a Large Gathering Permit (LGP) for River Bottom LLC to host the Johnny Holm Band at Maple Lake Pavilion on May 24, 2026.
County staff member Jacob Snyder told commissioners the event has been held annually around Memorial Day (absent years affected by COVID-19) and that River Bottom LLC purchased the Pavilion in 2022. The applicant expects roughly 1,000 to 1,200 attendees; the LGP Review Panel and staff recommended approval subject to conditions intended to protect public health and safety.
Snyder said the applicant provided required materials: a certificate of insurance, an operational plan, a clean-up bond of $25,000, licensed food and alcohol vendors, and coordination with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the County Highway Department. The applicant will fence the property perimeter, provide on-site security (ASP of Moorhead INC, eight staff 7 p.m.–1 a.m.), and the sheriff’s office will provide three deputies for the event. Mentor Fire and Rescue will provide fire and first-responder coverage.
Staff recommended conditions including a maximum of 1,250 people assembled on the permitted premises, event hours limited to 8:30 p.m. to midnight, a Pavilion occupancy limit of 511 persons (per State Fire Marshal standing-room calculations), at least two crowd managers during the event, 15 portable toilets and four wash stations, perimeter fencing not less than four feet high, removal of all solid waste within 48 hours, compliance with Minnesota noise rules (Minn. R. ch. 7030), alcohol service by licensed vendors with ID-and-banding to prevent under-age drinking, and designated overflow parking one block north on parcel #32.00232.00.
Rich Sanders was recorded as commenting that the County Highway Department will place no-parking signs where needed. With no further public comment, Mike Schulz moved to recommend approval of the LGP with staff recommendations, Don Cavalier seconded, and the vote was unanimous. Snyder said the recommendation will go before the County Board on May 5, 2026; the applicant does not need to appear at that meeting.
The Planning Commission’s action was a recommendation; final approval and any permit issuance will follow County Board review and fulfillment of the stated conditions.
