Despite some misgivings by the fire chief and some council members, the annual Flower Fair will take place as requested by Downtown Lake Orion.
Orion Township Fire Chief Jeff Key wasn’t happy about some downtown streets being closed off during the event on May 22-23.
‘In view of recent events, I don’t see how we can consider recommending approval of this request (street closings). If the downtown streets had been blocked by tents and vendors during the recent fire, it would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, to deploy our fire fighting apparatus and equipment when we did,? he said.
‘If we had been forced to try and work around these kind of obstructions, our ability to limit the spread of the fire would have been seriously compromised and the danger to our firefighters would have been greater.?
Key would like to see village officials reconsider their practice of allowing streets in the downtown area to be blocked off for events like carnivals and fairs.
Downtown Lake Orion asked that Broadway from Front Street north to Shadbolt and Flint Street from Anderson west to Lapeer Street be closed. Vendors and crafts people typically sell items from stalls set up on the streets.
‘Key’s statement is extremely pertinent at this time. He had always requested 18 feet be kept open (to allow room for emergency vehicles) in the past,? councilman Harry Stephen said at the council meeting on April 12.
‘We have to think about it legally. If something were to happen (such as a fire truck damaging anything getting in its way on the street), the village needs to be held harmless.?
The fair also includes a food tent that will be set up in Children’s Park on South Broadway.
Councilman Tom Albert said he can’t understand why a food tent needs to be in the park. He’s worried the new sod and sprinkling system could be damaged.
LO Village Manager JoAnn Van Tassel said she too has some questions about the food tent.
‘Is cooking going to be going on under the tent? she asked. ‘And I’m concerned about the size of the tent, if there’s enough space there.?
According to Downtown Lake Orion Coordinator Becky Goodman, the person who is donating the tent has walked the area and feels there is enough room for the tent.
‘We’re taking it (the fair) to the park to make it a better event,? she added.
The fair will also include entertainment in the gazebo and an art fair at the Orion Art Center.
Because the tent will be so close to the gazebo, Albert felt it would ‘negate the idea of enjoying entertainment at the gazebo.?
Goodman said the tent couldn’t be put in the municipal parking lot by the park because it would take away parking spots and the donated tent isn’t stakeless.
‘Things like these tents should be in Meek’s Park. You’re putting too much down there (Children’s Park). You want it attractive; it should be spread out,? councilman Douglas Dendel said. ‘It’s poor planning.?
All of the council members were displeased with a proposed Mystery Tour of Art and wine tasting event on the Friday before the fair.
In order to have the wine tasting, the Downtown Development Authority Board will have to apply for a one time use, only, liquor license. Insurance coverage would be a minimum of $500.
‘I have difficulty with a government entity applying for a license,? Stephen said.
‘We’re trying to promote this as an arts and cultural event. It’s not uncommon for Main Street communities to undertake this. It’s a money maker,? Goodman said.
Goodman explained to the council that people would be downtown going from business to business to find clues for the mystery. That part of the evening is free. The wine tasting, which is $20, only takes place at the Art of Living Gallery.
The council asked Goodman to go back to the DDA board and request it find another way to have the event that doesn’t include any government entity.