Local Pub Hopes to Host Outdoor Fall Event

A local pub and restaurant wants to host an outdoor fall event in downtown Hellertown, but first it needs to win permission from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PCLB) and local officials.

A representative for , Rebekah Van Gieson, told Hellertown Borough Council Aug. 20 that the preferred date for the event is Sept. 30.

Van Gieson also asked council whether it would be possible to close a one-block section of Main Street near Braveheart to help create a block party atmosphere.

That idea was quickly shot down by council, who said it would be nearly impossible to get permission from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to close the busy street, which is also a state road.

"Just to get (Main Street) closed for is hard enough,” council vice president John Bate said.

Bate, however, said he liked the idea, and councilman Tom Rieger said "there’s definitely support for this, I believe."

Van Gieson said Braveheart would like to host the event from noon to 4pm, and hopes to get other downtown restaurants involved in it.

An alternative location for the party is the parking lot behind Braveheart, she said, although the use of that lot for the festival would likely require organizers to get permission from a nearby church to use their parking lot for overflow.

The PLCB's sign-off will be required because of the outdoor consumption of alcohol.

Council members suggested to Van Gieson that a later date for the event be considered because time will be needed to obtain the required permissions and coordinate logistics, such as closing a section of the alley behind Braveheart.

Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp also said he had some concerns, although he said he wanted to meet with Van Gieson later to further discuss the details.

"As long as it’s done correctly, it sounds fine," he said.

Van Gieson said wristbands would be used to help identify individuals over the age of 21, and staff members would patrol the festival area to help monitor the behavior of attendees.

Braveheart Highland Pub and Restaurant is a Scottish-themed restaurant and bar located in the former Hellertown Hotel at 430 Main St.

Other nearby restaurants include , and .