Education Foundation’s Harmony Fest approved for Washington Park Velodrome

Kelly McKay, speaking on behalf of the Education Foundation of Kenosha, presented a request to hold “Harmony Fest” at the Washington Park Velodrome, saying the festival would raise scholarship funds and draw multiple community organizations.

"It was a success. I don't know if some of you may have been in attendance. It was well attended and, we did raise a decent amount money for the education foundation," McKay said, describing a prior event and the foundation’s plans to bring community groups together. She said the stage would be set outside the velodrome, food trucks would be parked in the lot and exhibitor tents would set up outside the fence so attendees could view performances through the gates.

Commissioners asked how organizers would manage entrances and prevent people from lifting items over the velodrome fence. Jack Rose asked whether exhibitors would have to bring tents inside the fence and expressed safety concerns about people passing items over the top.

McKay said organizers plan to staff both the south and north gates with Education Foundation volunteers, provide sandwich-board signage marking entrances and coordinate with the Kenosha Police Department, which she said would be present and may bring a K-9 demonstration. After discussion the commission moved and approved the request by voice vote.

The commission’s approval allows the Education Foundation to pursue required permits and to finalize operational details with staff, including any required police or fire-department sign-offs.