Parks board approves alcohol sales for three Indianapolis events after 3–2 vote

The Indianapolis Board of Parks and Recreation voted 3–2 on June 1 to approve memo no. 20, allowing licensed alcohol sales at three special events this year: Feast of Lanterns at Spades Park, Rock the Ruins at Holiday Park (up to eight events) and the Italian Festival at Edna Falls Lacey Park.

Deputy Director of Programs and Operations Kim Campbell presented the request on behalf of the operations division and described the special-events permitting process that organizers must follow, including certificates of insurance, detailed site maps and emergency action plans. Campbell said vendors are required to be fully licensed with the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission and the Marion County Public Health Department and that crowd-management, on-site security and medical support are standard. "Safety is always our top priority," Campbell said. She recommended approval based on prior incident-free alcohol service at these events.

Organizers and community supporters argued revenue from beverage sales helps sustain free, community-focused festivals. John Gallo, a Feast of Lanterns board member, said Feast of Lanterns has been held under the current administration for about 10 years and "we've never had any incidents." Melissa Benton of John Boner Neighborhood Centers told the board that utilities and temporary infrastructure costs exceeded $11,000 last year and opposed cutting reliable revenue sources that keep the event free.

Opponents, including board member Andre Denman and nearby residents, pressed concerns about park purpose, perimeter control and neighborhood impacts. After a timed public comment period and deliberation, the chair called for the vote; the chair announced the motion passed with three ayes and two no votes. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for June 23, 2026.