FAIRBORN — The City of Fairborn is doing away with its annual jazz festival and is instead introducing a new tradition to the community — the Bluegrass and Brew Festival slated for Friday, Aug. 4.
Four bluegrass musicians, including Rock Island Plow Company, Summer Highway Band, Nightflyer and Mark Whitt, are slated to take the stage and provide entertainment for the event. Meanwhile, Terri Perkins, owner of Terri Lynn Studio and Gallery, is planning a number of children and family-friendly activities at her business, 415 W. Main St. It will also include a number of food trucks and will be the first event hosted in the city that will include a beer garden.
Council passed an ordinance summer 2015 that would allow vendors to apply for a permit in which alcohol could be served at community events. No event organizer thus far has opted to serve alcohol and go through the application process until now.
The ordinance specifies that the serving of alcohol at special community events can only take place within designated areas of a city park after a permit is granted. Council voted May 1 to officially consider 5/3 Commons, on the corner of Main Street and Grand Avenue, a city park. It is where the beer garden for Bluegrass and Brew is slated to be located.
In order to serve alcohol at events, organizers must first complete an application, which is reviewed by the Fairborn Police and Fire Departments, Parks and Recreation Division, Fairborn Street Department as well as the city manager, who can all apply conditions before granting permission.
Individuals wishing to enjoy a beer at a city event must stay within the designated space and purchase the beverage at the event. The ordinance does not allow anyone to “bring their own beer.” If individuals step outside of the designated space with alcohol in-hand, they could be ticketed for an open container violation.
According to the event’s Facebook page, it will include a number of drink options which will be served up by the familiar faces that make up the Fairborn Senior Center and Fairborn Rotary Club. While there is no charge to attend the event, the beer will be sold for $5. Beer sale proceeds will benefit both the Fairborn Senior Center and the Fairborn Rotary Club.
The Fairborn Bluegrass and Brew Festival will take place 4-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4 along Main Street.
