Town Council approves permits for Black Ship Festival, including food vendors, entertainment and flag display

The Town Council voted to approve a package of permits for the Black Ship Festival, an event organized by the Japan American Society of Rhode Island that will be held Aug. 14–16 at Rockwell Park and Independence Park.

Marian Brand, president of the Japan American Society of Rhode Island, described a three‑day schedule that includes an opening ceremony, a VIP luncheon and evening performances on Aug. 14, and a vendor day on Aug. 15. “It is a great honor to be here with you and to support Bristol,” Brand said, and invited residents to attend the festival and visit the new website, blackships.org.

The council combined agenda items D1–D4 and F1 — covering mobile food establishment permits for Aug. 14 and Aug. 15, one‑day dancing and entertainment licenses for those dates, and the request to fly the Japanese flag Aug. 14–16 — and approved them on a motion made by Tim and seconded by Aaron. Council members said they were voting on the items based on positive recommendations from staff and prior review; there was little discussion during the vote.

The approvals will allow vendors and scheduled performances to operate during the festival dates at the locations stated on the agenda. Council members encouraged residents to attend and noted the event’s value for local businesses and tourism.

The council then moved on to routine license renewals and other business.