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Decatur council approves summer concerts, fireworks and parade permits
Summary
The City of Decatur Common Council on March 18 approved permits for a slate of summer and fall events — including the Summer Concert series on Madison Street Plaza, a July 3 fireworks display at Riverside, Germanfest and Kekionga Days — and recorded a mayoral appointment to the Redevelopment Commission.
The City of Decatur Common Council on March 18 approved permits and street closures for a series of community events spanning May through November 2025, including the Summer Concerts series, a July 3 fireworks display at Riverside and multiple festivals and parades.
Council members voted individually on each event request after Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart presented Event Forms for the calendar. Motions to approve were made, seconded and adopted for the graduation party (May 1), Summer Concerts (Thursdays, June 3–Sept. 4, 6–9:30 p.m.), Sculpture Tour (June 13–14), Conner Brite Wildflower Concert (June 14), Downtown Decatur Day (June 21), fireworks at Riverside (July 3), Germanfest (Aug. 15), Kekionga Days (Aug. 22–24, with Jackson Street closed Friday for Education Day), the Motorsports Show (Aug. 22), Highland Games (Oct. 4), the Callithumpian Parade (Oct. 26) and the Annual Tree Lighting (Nov. 21).
Votes at a glance: Graduation party (May 1, 2025) — motion by Matt Dyer, seconded by Abby Wilder — adopted. Summer Concerts (June 3–Sept. 4, 2025) — motion by Tyler Fullenkamp, seconded by Scott Murray — adopted. Sculpture Tour (June 13–14, 2025) — motion by Matt Dyer, seconded by Scott Murray — adopted. Conner Brite Wildflower Concert (June 14, 2025) — motion by Tyler Fullenkamp, seconded by Abby Wilder — adopted. Downtown Decatur Day (June 21, 2025) — motion by Scott Murray, seconded by Tyler Fullenkamp — adopted. Fireworks at Riverside (July 3, 2025) — motion by Scott Murray, seconded by Matt Dyer — adopted. Germanfest (Aug. 15, 2025) — motion by Matt Dyer, seconded by Scott Murray — adopted. Kekionga Days (Aug. 22–24, 2025; Education Day street closing) — motion by Tyler Fullenkamp, seconded by Abby Wilder — adopted. Motorsports Show (Aug. 22, 2025) — motion by Tyler Fullenkamp, seconded by Scott Murray — adopted. Highland Games (Oct. 4, 2025) — motion by Matt Dyer, seconded by Scott Murray — adopted. Callithumpian Parade (Oct. 26, 2025) — motion by Matt Dyer, seconded by Scott Murray — adopted. Annual Tree Lighting (Nov. 21, 2025) — motion by Scott Murray, seconded by Matt Dyer — adopted.
In related business, the Council made Mayor Rickord’s appointment of North Adams School Board member Dave Hill to the Decatur Redevelopment Commission a matter of record; the motion to record the appointment was made by Tyler Fullenkamp, seconded by Scott Murray, and adopted. The Council also voted to pay the claims against the City and then adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
What’s next: approved events will proceed with the street-closure plans and permit conditions discussed during the filings; event organizers and city staff are responsible for coordination of safety plans and final traffic controls.
