Permission is being secured for the sale of alcohol during the first night of Fairfield’s Fuzzy Peach Festival, being held on the courthouse square next weekend.
“They need permission from the property owner, and that is us,” City Administrator Nate Smith told Council members during a Special Called Meeting last week on Tuesday, July 2, 2019.
A unanimous vote was cast to approve a city ordinance that will provide for a special event permit for the temporary sale of alcohol at a public park or public place within city limits.
Any public entity or non-profit organization seeking such a permit is required to meet all requirements set by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), including the requirement to provide security during such an event.
Only three special event permits will be issued, per entity, in a calendar year.
“We’re about the only City that does not do this,” remarked Chief of Police David Utsey, during discussion of the proposed ordinance by council members.
City Secretary Misty Richardson explained that requiring permits through this ordinance would allow the City to approve the sale of alcohol at events “so they’re not scattered everywhere around town.”
The Fuzzy Peach Festival will kick off Friday, July 19th with live music and a Street Dance on the Courthouse Square in downtown Fairfield, Texas.
Don Thornton is slated to sing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and local favorite, Lanky Moore, will perform from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
According to event coordinator, Chamber Executive Director Brenda Pate, beer-only sales would begin prior to Lanky Moore taking the stage, at approximately 7:00 p.m.
Beer would be sold in a roped-off area on Keechi Street near Commerce (Hwy 84) in order to comply with TABC prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages within a certain distance of public schools, churches, or public hospitals.
No outside alcohol will be allowed during this event. Event security company is in place to keep a safe environment for all to enjoy.
The two-day Fuzzy Peach Festival is presented by the City of Fairfield and Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.
Saturday, July 20th will include a Color Run, Little Miss Peach Pageant, a Peach Cookery Contest, Ice Cream Eating Contest, games, and food vendors.
Musical entertainment on Saturday will include Cornerstone Full Gospel Church, Tin Top Road, and Peter Sinclair and Alysa Carrezales.
A Peach Stroll will be hosted by downtown retailers, who will be serving peach-related food and drink to their customers during the weekend festival.
The Fuzzy Peach Festival will coincide with the Fairfield Fest Downtown Market and Flea Market.
