Agenda Item Wording:
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Approval of single exemption for alcohol consumption at Riverway Sports Park - Authorization for the City Manager to issue a one-time alcohol permit for the City of Visalia Independence Spectacular community special event.
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Agenda Date: 04/20/2026
Prepared by: Laurissa Roggenkamp, Recreation Manager laurissa.roggenkamp@visalia.gov, 713-4336; Jason Glick, Parks & Recreation Director jason.glick@visalia.gov, 713-4042
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to issue a one-time permit allowing alcohol consumption at Riverway Sports Park for the City of Visalia hosted community special event, Independence Spectacular schedule for July 3rd, 2026
Summary:
Staff is requesting authorization for the City Manager to grant a one-time permit for alcohol sales and consumption at Riverway Sports Park during the Independence Spectacular community event on Friday, July 3, 2026.
• Per Visalia Municipal Code Article 4. Prohibiting Alcohol Beverage Section 12.32.065 states that it is unlawful for possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages within the boundaries of every City of Visalia public park/recreation area. The City Manager, or designee, shall maintain a listing of the park and recreation facilities where possession and consumption of alcohol beverages may be allowed with a permit of issued pursuant to Article 2 Park Reservation Permits.
The Visalia Community Enhancement Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit (77-0424247), will host the beer garden and will obtain all required permits and insurance for sale of alcohol. A beer garden will be designated for alcohol sales and consumption, this area will have security guards.
Background Discussion:
In 2024, the City Council authorized funding to launch the inaugural Independence Spectacular event. Due to its success, the Council approved continuing the event in 2025, where attendance nearly doubled with an estimated 10,000 attendees.
The 2026 Independence Spectacular is scheduled to be held at Riverway Sports Park on Friday, July 3rd from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will feature free admission, live music, free children’s amusement area, community information booths, food and boutique vendors, and a beer garden. Festivities will conclude with a 15-minute firework display at 9:30 p.m. featuring more than 7,500 aerial shells.
In recognition of America’s Semi quincentennial, marking 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the 2026 event will feature an aerial fireworks show.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: N/A
Prior Council Action:
- May 31, 2024 - City Council authorized a one-time alcohol permit for the 2024 Independence Spectacular.
- June 2, 2025 - City Council authorized a one-time alcohol permit for the 2025 Independence Spectacular.
Alternatives: Do not authorize alcohol consumption at the event. This option would eliminate sponsored revenue generated through the beer garden, reducing funds available to offset the cost of event entertainment.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
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I move to authorize the City Manager to grant a one-time permit for alcohol consumption at Riverway Sports Park for the City of Visalia Independence Spectacular community special event to be held on July 3, 2026.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 04/20/2026
Attachments: N/A
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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