Mayor and Chamber collaborate for festival

arghaly@liherald.com

In preparation for the highly anticipated Nautical Mile Festival on June 3, representatives from the mayor’s office and the Freeport Chamber of Commerce recently held a meeting to discuss the logistics and coordination required to make the event a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

The festival, which serves as a summer kickoff celebration, aims to bring people together from various towns, promises an exciting array of activities and vendors.

During the meeting, department heads responsible for ensuring the festival’s success reviewed the necessary measures for maintaining safety and minimizing disruptions. Key topics included police coordination, road closures, department assignments for each location, and traffic management to prevent congestion. The comprehensive review encompassed all policies and procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for festivalgoers.

The event boasts a robust security presence, and medical facilities are readily available to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. Golf carts are on standby to promptly assist anyone in need of transportation within the festival area.

With approximately 60 vendors expected to participate, meticulous planning regarding street closures, one-way traffic arrangements, and other logistical considerations was undertaken.

The mayor emphasized the importance of collaborating with both residents and merchants along the nautical mile to ensure a successful festival. By allowing restaurants to promote their own food and provide samples within their establishment they can promote their local businesses.

“I’m looking forward to the festival and hoping for fantastic weather,” Kennedy said. “The forecast looks great, and we anticipate a massive turnout with tens of thousands of people expected to join us.”

The Nautical Mile Festival offers a diverse range of vendors selling goods, along with various attractions for attendees, particularly children. The event features booths lining the streets, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

The Chamber of Commerce actively collaborates with the mayor’s office to ensure the festival’s success. Through open communication channels, the Chamber works to address concerns, facilitate cooperation, and promote the event effectively. The close alignment between the Chamber and the mayor’s office supports the goal of making the festival a resounding success.

“I think we kind of learned from things that happened in the past, so we are trying to just head off any issues right from the beginning before it starts,” Ben Jackson, president of the Chamber of Commerce said. “It’s just gotten more and more successful in my opinion.”

Previous editions of the festival have been well-received, with an increasing number of attendees each year. The absence of the festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified the anticipation for this year’s event. The organizing committee has drawn valuable lessons from past experiences, enabling them to proactively address any potential issues and create a seamless experience for festivalgoers. The festival has become a vital platform for local businesses to thrive, particularly in the aftermath of the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Taking place on June 3, the Nautical Mile Festival promises a fantastic time for all who attend and a thrilling and memorable experience that should not be missed.