Visit Emporia Director Lelan Dains believes recent action by the Emporia City Commission could lead to significant “enhancements” for future community events.
Dains shared those thoughts during a recent interview on KVOE’s Morning Show when asked about the city’s action to establish a common consumption area Wednesday evening. Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve an ordinance that would establish the two-block area in the alley between 6th Ave. and 8th Ave. between Commercial and Merchant if approval is granted by the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Alcohol Beverage Control.
Commissioner Becky Smith voted against the ordinance stating she had some unresolved issues with the CCA, namely that she felt certain parties involved with the area had yet to be consulted. Dains says Visit Emporia “will continue to meet with all parties that have an interest directly to alleviate legitimate concerns.”
With that in mind, Dains believes the CCA would be a great addition to the Emporia community as it fits neatly with one of the organization’s major objectives.
The first major event where the CCA could be utilized may likely be the upcoming second installment of the Halfway to Everywhere Music and Arts Festival. If the ABC approves the CCA in Emporia it would be in effect on a trial basis through Dec. 31 2021 at which time the city commission will reevaluate the area’s future.
