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Occoquan waives special-event fee, authorizes Visit Occoquan fundraiser with up to 150 attendees
Summary
The council approved Visit Occoquan’s request to hold a fundraising event at Mamie Davis Park on Oct. 17, 2026, granted a waiver of the $25 special-event application fee and authorized event capacity up to 150 attendees, subject to permits and public-safety conditions.
The Occoquan Town Council unanimously approved a request from Visit Occoquan, Inc. to hold a fundraising event at Mamie Davis Park on Oct. 17, 2026 (with a designated rain date) and waived the Special Event application fee.
Sarah Burzio, representing Visit Occoquan, described the event as including a silent auction, food and beverage tastings and a staffed bar. She said Visit Occoquan would withdraw from participation in the Virginia Main Street Program, citing inability to meet operational obligations after staff turnover and financial constraints.
Councilmembers and staff discussed anticipated attendance, park capacity and public-safety requirements. Town Manager Adam Linn said town-based nonprofits are typically not charged facility fees but that the proposed event — which would close parts of the park and include alcohol service and paid admission — would ordinarily require a Special Event Permit and the $25 application fee. The council authorized a waiver and an event capacity of up to 150 attendees, subject to compliance with Town policies, permit requirements and any public-safety conditions imposed by staff. The motion to approve was made by Councilmember Robert Love and seconded by Councilmember Eliot Perkins; the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Mayor Earnie Porta directed Town Manager Linn to coordinate with the Town Engineer to determine a safe occupancy limit and to consult the Town Attorney about liability implications for any Riverwalk use. Town Manager Linn said he would follow up.
What happens next: Staff will determine final occupancy and safety conditions, confirm permits and work with the applicant on event logistics and ABC requirements.
