Braveheart's Scaled Back Outdoor Event Approved

by will take place in the business's parking lot but won't expand to include other downtown establishments--at least not this year, a representative for the business told Hellertown Borough Council Sept. 4.

Rebekah Van Gieson told council that Braveheart recently obtained permission from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PCLB) "to serve and carry (alcoholic) beverages…on the premises."

Although beer will be served outdoors, the event is intended to be family-friendly and liquor will only be served inside the building, she said.

Referring to restrictions that will be in place to help prevent underage drinking, Van Gieson said "We’re going to have wristbands. Everybody’s going to be carded.”

Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp recommended that a temporary "snow fence" also be installed around the parking lot's perimeter to help restrict access.

"We don’t want people sneaking a beer out and walking it to their car," he said, adding that the turn-out for the festival could be substantial.

Van Gieson responded to his concern by saying that Braveheart is "totally amenable to the barricade idea."

The pub will also take responsibility for protecting neighboring properties from litter and damage, she said, in response to a question from Mayor Richard Fluck.

Although it was originally planned for Sept. 30, the outdoor event is now scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 7 from 11am to 5pm.

A band is scheduled to perform live for two hours in the afternoon, and a tent will be set up behind the building.

Alley access behind Braveheart, however, won't be restricted, Van Gieson said.

Auxiliary parking will be available in the church parking lot, which is about a block away from the pub, she added.

Van Gieson said Braveheart also hopes to advertise the festival with a banner hung across Main Street, although it was not clear if the required permission to hang the banner from utility poles could be obtained in time.

Council unanimously approved a motion to allow the event to take place, with the stipulation that access be restricted with temporary perimeter fencing.