Remember when Folk Festival was just fun…no stress no worries or at least for those of us who only attend and do not have to do any of the hard work of planning or working or cleaning up.
Reading today’s stories in the Sun I found the statement by Acting Superintendent Deborah Freidl that the late-night crowds downtown are just a part of the event’s evolution to which officials will adjust, most important. Good point! Just 3 days prior to the commencement of the festival Chief Lavallee held a meeting and asked everyone to do what they could to make sure that after festival hours DO NOT turn into mardi gras… (or as Craig would say; Shangra-lowell) oops! I have total confidence in Captain Kennedy’s ability to evaluate the situation and make the right decision and comments from bar owners sound like they agreed too.
I know that a few bar owners did voluntarily close early all three nights due to the large crowds…therein lies the dilemma. How great that people who come to folk festival stay after to enjoy the city…and how great for all of the businesses who had to turn people away. Hopefully by next year there will be a few more neighborhood places open. So the CM’s comment about starting now to plan for next year is the right thing to do.
I do have to throw just one question out there…why did the city council approve a deal for the Smokehouse to build out the sidewalk? Did anyone provide them with information about the 11 incidents police have logged at this location (only outdone by Brian’s Ivy Hall coming in at 14)? There are many other business owners who would be eager to have the use of 4 parking spaces to build out their outdoor business but have been told no (Old Court aside; they are just to close to the corner for LFP to make the turn)…why this one?
Two stories in the SUN: http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_18615060#ixzz1U5E8Oak4
Innocent plea in Lowell Folk Festival brawl – Lowell Sun Online
LOWELL — In the midst of the Lowell Folk Festival festivities last weekend, police arrested a Lowell man after they spotted him in a group of partygoers kicking a man on the ground…
Rest of the story at SUN on-line: http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_18615061