HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-27-26 Special Events Committee Minutes
Meeting Minutes: Special Events Committee
Date: May 27, 2026
Time: 1:04 pm – 2:00 pm
Present (In Person):
Amy Roush
Brad Rohrscheib
Derek Erquhart
Kyle Ludlow
Absent:
Coby Deal
Agenda Items & Discussion Highlights
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 1:04 pm with a quorum present.
2. Approval of Minutes
Motion to Approve Minutes: Ms Roush initiated a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, which
was seconded and passed without opposition, confirming the official record.
3. Special Event Applications
Approval of Special Event Applications
R Love Entertainment Presents: 4th of July Block Party
Event Date: July 4, 2026
Location: 700 block of Johnson Street
A neighborhood block party focused on family activities, including games and inflatables. The applicant clarified the
event is not intended as a fireworks display. Fire Department concerns were raised due to a previous fire incident in the
area. The applicant agreed to follow all ordinances and implement safety precautions. Event time corrected to end at
8:00 PM.
Action: Motion approved with one opposing vote.
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Status: Approved to Board of Public Works.
Light Up the Sky
Event Date: July 4, 2026
Location: Allen Street (Van Buren to Lindsey)
Returning neighborhood event requesting street closure. Committee clarified compliance with ordinance requiring
event end time of 10:00 PM and cleanup by 11:00 PM.
Action: Motion approved with one opposing vote.
Status: Approved to Board of Public Works.
August First Fridays (Downtown South Bend)
Event Date: August 7, 2026
Location: 100–300 blocks of Michigan Street
Expanded downtown event incorporating Music Village programming. Layout will follow June setup with adjustments
for emergency access.
Action: Motion approved.
Status: Approved to Board of Public Works.
The Music Village Block Party
Event Date: August 7, 2026
Location: Adjacent to First Fridays footprint
Coordinated event with First Fridays. Layout modified to limit fencing primarily to the beer garden area.
Action: Motion approved.
Status: Approved to Board of Public Works.
Stand By Me Walk
Event Date: June 13, 2026
Location: Howard Park and downtown route
Annual fundraising walk. Route modified for pedestrian safety due to sidewalk limitations, with recommendation to
remain on the north side of Jefferson. Police support confirmed for crossings.
Action: Motion approved.
Status: Approved to Board of Public Works.
Get Wet for a Vet (14th Annual Motorcycle Ride)
Event Date: August 1, 2026
Location: Regional route with limited South Bend involvement
Fundraising ride supporting veterans. Fully escorted with no long-term road closures required.
Action: Motion approved.
Status: Approved to Board of Public Works.
Back to School Boogie Parade
Event Date: August 15, 2026
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Location: Washington High School to Charles Black Center
Annual parade with community activities and vendors. Parade start time confirmed as 10:00 AM for proper
coordination.
Action: Motion approved; one member recused.
Status: Approved to Board of Public Works.
SBVPA 4th of July Event (Howard Park Fireworks)
Event Date: July 3, 2026
Location: Jefferson Boulevard bridge area
Fireworks display requiring full closure of roadway and sidewalks. Bridge designated as a fallout zone for safety.
Action: Motion approved.
Status: Approved to Board of Public Works.
September First Fridays
Event Date: September 4, 2026
Location: 100–200 blocks of Michigan Street
Standard First Fridays event.
Action: Motion approved.
Status: Approved to Board of Public Works.
October First Fridays
Event Date: October 2, 2026
Location: 100–200 blocks of Michigan Street
Standard event with potential Fire Department collaboration.
Action: Motion approved.
Status: Approved to Board of Public Works.
Tabled Item
Fusion Fest (September 2026)
Application was incomplete due to missing street closure map.
Action: Motion to table
Status: Tabled.
4. Other Business / Committee Discussion / Administrative Updates
• Applicants are experiencing difficulty uploading maps in the new online system.
• Recommendation to enhance automated responses with clearer instructions, including application fee payment
and contact steps.
• Suggestion to require final food vendor lists at least seven days prior to events.
• Recommendation to include acknowledgments of fireworks ordinances within the application system.
5. Privilege of the floor
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6. Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved. The meeting was adjourned.
(Summary captured by AI.)