Springfield City Council is considering a bill that would modify city rules to allow alcohol consumption at
Artsfest, what’s billed as the largest fine-arts festival in southwest Missouri.
The ordinance, which last night received a first reading at City Hall, would increase the number of events where alcohol is permitted and expand the area where alcoholic beverages can be consumed for such city-approved festivals as Artsfest and the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival.
Currently, Springfield allows up to eight events per year where consumers can purchase and drink alcohol on city streets. The proposed ordinance would increase that number to 10 for 2016. Proposals for additional years would be required.
The ordinance would approve alcohol consumption for:
• a new fundraiser called Over the Edge in front of the Sky Eleven building on Jefferson Avenue between Olive Street and Park Central East;
• the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival east of Jefferson to Benton Avenue and west of Campbell Avenue along College Street to Grant Avenue;
• Artsfest along Walnut Street west of National Avenue and east of Kimbrough Avenue; and
• a new event along Commercial Street, which is not yet determined.
Generally, downtown events have permitted alcohol around Park Central Square and north to Water Street on Boonville Avenue, south to McDaniel Street on South Avenue and along Park Central East and Park Central West. An exception for trolley bikes would remain in place under the proposal.
Three speakers expressed their support for the changes, and no speakers stood opposed.
Leslie Forrester, executive director of the Springfield Regional Arts Council, said the time is right to allow alcohol at the annual Artsfest, which is expected to draw 30,000 attendees and 136 artists this year.
“Allowing alcohol on the street during the event will allow us to promote the event even further,” she said, adding the festival has a 36-year history in Springfield. “Alcohol on Artsfest weekend allows people to come and want to stay longer, to be a part of the festival longer, to purchase more art, which attracts more artists to the festival.”
Cora Scott, Springfield director of public information and civic engagement, said the city began allowing alcohol at local festivals about a decade ago with the C-Street Jam before moving to five events around Park Central Square and then eight about three years ago.
“It’s been a very measured approach,” she said.
Scott said allowing alcohol in a controlled environment encourages tourism and economic development in Springfield by making the city more attractive to young professionals.
“On the economic development front, it’s talent attraction and what makes Springfield more attractive with larger markets,” she said.
