Council approves pilot "Party in the Park" beer garden for Pow Wow, waives park alcohol rule

The Mountain Lake City Council voted unanimously to allow a pilot beer garden dubbed "Party in the Park" during this year’s Pow Wow, approving a code waiver and asking organizers to clarify how they would handle underage attendees. Adam and Karina Bryant, who requested the permit, said the proposal would consolidate live music and refreshments into a central, community-focused event and help increase attendance compared with smaller, scattered concerts.

Council Member Bryan Bargen moved to approve the beer-garden pilot with conditions requiring legal clarification on allowing underage individuals within the fenced area using differentiated wristbands; Council Member Andrew Ysker seconded the motion, which carried 5–0. The motion also waived City Code 5.16, which governs consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages in city parks, for the duration of the event.

The applicants told the council that over the past five years the Den has sponsored concerts and that last year’s Pow Wow had low Tuesday attendance; the intent is to pilot a consolidated, promoted event and then evaluate whether "Party in the Park" could become a standalone attraction to support local businesses. The council tied approval to confirmation this change complies with state liquor laws and city regulations around underage access and wristbanding.

The council did not specify additional permit conditions or security plans in the transcript; staff were directed to follow up on the legal clarifications before the event goes forward.