Council clears multiple special events: veterans walk, Hometown Hoedown, Bibs & Brews and Commercial House festival

Richmond City Council approved a string of special-event permits that will bring volunteer fundraisers and community festivals to the city this spring and summer.

City Manager explained that Veterans of SEMCO requested use of Trailhead Park and the Macomb Orchard Trail for a 30-mile walkathon on May 2 (alternate May 9) to raise funds for Operation Injured Soldiers Mental Health. Applicant Eric Barton, who said he works for Simcoe Energy and helps organize the event, described logistics including aid stations, portable toilets and an expectation of roughly 100 participants across event locations. Council approved the permit by voice vote.

Council also approved a Hometown Heroes Block Party (a ‘Hometown Hoedown’) proposed for June 20 in the city’s North Forest parking/grass lot and a portion of Monroe Street. Steve Aiken, speaking as a member of the department and Hometown Heroes, said proceeds support programs such as Shop with a Hero and holiday food/gift drives. The event will use social-district licensed vendors for alcohol, include a DJ and two mobile food vendors, and will require setup and teardown closures; council approved the request and the mobile-vendor permits by voice vote.

Commercial House requested approval for its fourth annual Bibs & Brews event, planned for March 14 in the municipal lot behind Commercial House with vendors, a chili cook-off and outdoor music; Tara LaDuke represented the applicant and confirmed plans for a 30-by-40 heated tent and coordination with StarCraft Brewery for power. Council approved the event and its vendor layout by voice vote.

All permits passed on council voice votes. Council did not set conditions beyond normal permitting and direction for administration to coordinate logistics with applicants and the police/public-works departments.