Menasha board approves Rally for the Valley permit after debate over vendor counts and closure times

The Menasha Board of Public Works voted 7–1 on Sept. 8 to approve a street-use permit for Rally for the Valley, scheduled Oct. 3, 2026, after aldermen amended the motion to set street-closure hours from 8 a.m. to midnight rather than the event hours listed on the application.

Organizer Adrian Palm told the board the committee is planning for a large street festival with as many as 100 vendors, 300 volunteers across shifts and infrastructure such as enhanced cell coverage and shuttle parking with Lamers. "So even if we'll be thrilled if 10,000 people show up, 15,000 people show up. But what would be a problem is if we were not prepared for 25,000 people to show up, and they did," Palm said. Alderman Eisenach questioned the short planning timeline and the permit's higher turnout figures, saying she feared the event was being rushed and that planning details had not been widely shared with constituents.

Attorney Struve told the board the insurance box on the application was not yet checked but that organizers had assured the city coverage would be provided; he said the common council would receive an update on insurance details. The amendment to change the motion language to reflect the street-closure times — rather than just the event hours — was made by Alderman School and carried; Clerk Janet recorded the final vote as 7 in favor, 1 opposed.