Police commission approves road closure for 10th annual Addiction Awareness Vigil

The New Canaan Police Commission on June 17 approved a temporary road closure to host the 10th annual Addiction Awareness Vigil on South Avenue between Morris Court and Elm. The organizer, Paul Ry, sought the closure for Sept. 1 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a rain date of Sept. 2, and said the event would include recovery speakers, a popup park setup and community outreach.

Ry, who identified himself as founder of a parent support group, told commissioners the vigil drew about 600 people last year and he expects “750 people,” which he said would make it the largest recovery event in Connecticut. He also asked for permission to place awareness ribbons on street light posts as part of the community outreach.

Commissioners approved the request but explicitly made the approval contingent on the organizer obtaining all usual town approvals, special-event declarations and required insurance. A commissioner noted the vigil draws attendees from outside New Canaan and described that outside participation as a positive for the recovery community. Staff said typical conditions — permits, insurance and coordination with town services — must be satisfied before the closure takes effect.

The commission did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the request was adopted by voice vote. The organizer may change the date to Sept. 2 in the event of rain, per his request, and must return with or present evidence of required permits and insurance prior to the event taking effect.