Acton board approves two mass-gathering permits for car show and Moose Lottery event

The Town of Acton Select Board approved two Mass Gathering Permits on June 3, 2026: one for the Earl Entertainment car show and one for the Moose Lottery event at the Acton Fairgrounds.

Applicant James Earl said he expects between 50 and 500 attendees for his car show; the town’s Mass Gathering Ordinance requires applicants to provide EMT coverage at the applicant’s expense and to coordinate law enforcement coverage as necessary. The Select Board granted the permit contingent on satisfying the ordinance’s stipulations and advised Earl to secure personnel and sign off from the Fire Chief before the event; Earl indicated he expects to meet law-enforcement requirements using acquaintances with federal credentials.

DK Horne described the Moose Lottery two-day event, which organizers estimated could draw 3,000–5,000 attendees. Horne said medical coverage would be provided by a partner organization (Kora Temple) and that camping would be managed by the fairgrounds operator. The board discussed the ordinance requirement of two officers per 250 people but noted that agricultural fair events have an exemption; Denekamp moved to grant the Moose Permit subject to the ordinance’s conditions and the motion passed.

William Paladino applied for and the board approved a catering liquor license for the Shed Restaurant to serve at the Moose Lottery event; Paladino presented state licensing, insurance and fee payment. The Select Board emphasized compliance with the existing ordinance while staff pursue a recommended rescind-and-replace of the ordinance with an administrative policy to allow greater flexibility in future.

All permit motions passed unanimously at the meeting. The board instructed event organizers to coordinate with the Fire Chief and the Town Administrator to confirm medical and public-safety coverage.