The Pocomoke City Council on Monday approved a request from the Downtown Pocomoke Association to sell beer and wine during 4th Friday Street Festivals, which are held monthly between April and September.
Association president Marc Scher said his group has always received ample support from the city for their undertakings.
“I’ve been involved since 1982 with the [former] Downtown Improvement Association,” he said. “We don’t always get what we want, but you’ve never said no.”
Pocomoke Economic Development Coordinator Karah Lacey said the concept for the 4th Friday Street Festival was copied from similar events in the region.
“Fourth Friday Street Festivals were inspired by a neighboring town(s),” she said. “There are First Fridays in Snow Hill, 2nd Fridays in Berlin and 3rd Fridays in Salisbury.”
Now entering its fourth year, Lacey said all the area events follow a similar outline, including free registration for local artists, open retailers, live entertainment and refreshments.
“The sale of beer and wine is expected by our patrons, as well as the vendors and artists who participate in these events,” she said.
Lacey said both herself and Scher have attended alcohol-serving certification courses, and the pair would be responsible for alcohol purchases for the events.
“In our experience over the last three years, we have never had one negative incident selling beer and wine on any of the 4th Fridays,” she said.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages would only be allowed in closed-off street areas, Lacey said.
“Last year the Downtown Pocomoke Association raised approximately $850 from beer and wine sales,” she said. “The money we raised allows us to host events downtown apart form 4th Fridays, including the downtown spring and fall festivals, which are family friendly events.”
Additionally, the funds raised will help the association advertise and beautify the downtown area, Lacey said.
“We also give back to the community by donating to local charities ands nonprofits,” she said.
The city council voted unanimously to approve the request.
Association president Marc Scher said his group has always received ample support from the city for their undertakings.
“I’ve been involved since 1982 with the [former] Downtown Improvement Association,” he said. “We don’t always get what we want, but you’ve never said no.”
Pocomoke Economic Development Coordinator Karah Lacey said the concept for the 4th Friday Street Festival was copied from similar events in the region.
“Fourth Friday Street Festivals were inspired by a neighboring town(s),” she said. “There are First Fridays in Snow Hill, 2nd Fridays in Berlin and 3rd Fridays in Salisbury.”
Now entering its fourth year, Lacey said all the area events follow a similar outline, including free registration for local artists, open retailers, live entertainment and refreshments.
“The sale of beer and wine is expected by our patrons, as well as the vendors and artists who participate in these events,” she said.
Lacey said both herself and Scher have attended alcohol-serving certification courses, and the pair would be responsible for alcohol purchases for the events.
“In our experience over the last three years, we have never had one negative incident selling beer and wine on any of the 4th Fridays,” she said.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages would only be allowed in closed-off street areas, Lacey said.
“Last year the Downtown Pocomoke Association raised approximately $850 from beer and wine sales,” she said. “The money we raised allows us to host events downtown apart form 4th Fridays, including the downtown spring and fall festivals, which are family friendly events.”
Additionally, the funds raised will help the association advertise and beautify the downtown area, Lacey said.
“We also give back to the community by donating to local charities ands nonprofits,” she said.
The city council voted unanimously to approve the request.