Newberry OKs Three-Day Carnival, Aug.20 - 22

NEWBERRY ‒ For those folks who have been cooped up inside for way too long, relief is just around the corner. The City of Newberry approved a special use permit to allow Vivid Sky Vertical, LLC, to hold an outdoor carnival and concert in August.

Eric Lenasbunt of Vivid Sky Vertical, acting as agent for property owner Pat Post, made presentations before the Planning and Zoning Board and the City Commission on July 12 to explain what is planned for the event and discuss the site plan.

A carnival by Florida Carnivals and More will be open all three days of the event, Aug. 20 – 22. Carnival hours are 3 – 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday.

Doors open for the Friday and Saturday night concerts at 5 p.m. and music will run until 10:30 p.m. both nights. Saturday night’s closing event will include a 15-minute fireworks display.

Knockin’ Boots Saloon in Gainesville will be serving alcohol and food vendors/trucks and souvenir event sales will also be included onsite.

Lenasbunt said he would be contacting the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and will also have EMS services available. He also explained his parking plan for ingress and egress during the events.

The gate location is 28823 W. Newberry Road, but it is best described as being adjacent to the Gilchrist County/Alachua County Line on the southeast corner of West Newberry Road and Gilchrist County Road 20185 (Southeast 90^th Avenue, Gilchrist County).

Approval was given for this event with several stipulations including proof of a valid liquor license, liability insurance for the outdoor carnival and two-concert event and also the policy must list the City of Newberry as an “additional insured.”

Lenasbunt was tight lipped about who would be performing at the concerts so that will have to be a surprise when the event is closer.

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