City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
HOSTING OF THE
WAKANDA CELEBRATION 2025 EVENT
Whereas, by letter dated May 6, 2025, the Rose Luangisa of Wakanda Celebration Inc. has requested authorization to host the “Wakanda Celebration 2025” on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the backyards of 374, 375, and 366 Hawthorne Terrace and the Traphagen Elementary School and Parking Lot, as described in the event application submitted by the organizers; and
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York (the “City”) recognizes the cultural and community value of the annual Wakanda Celebration event; and
Whereas, due to sponsorship denials and unforeseen circumstances and the withdrawal of key sponsorships from organizations including Arts Westchester, Wells Fargo, and Costco, the organizers have adjusted their plans to reflect a no-budget, community-centered gathering, the event organizers have proposed a scaled-down version of the event to be held as an invitation-only gathering with an estimated attendance of 400-450 guests; and
Whereas, the proposed event will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., in the backyards of 374, 375, and 366 Hawthorne Terrace and will include the use of the Traphagen Elementary School property and its parking lot, located at 72 Lexington Avenue. The event will be managed via Eventbrite with an anticipated attendance of 400 to 450 guests by invitation only; and
Whereas, the event will offer free parking at Traphagen School, 72 Lexington Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY, with authorization from the school; and
Whereas, the event organizers have agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers, employees, and agents from any liability, damage, or loss arising from the event; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has no objection to the proposed event and will provide necessary traffic and safety measures, including signage and barricades; will place “No Parking” signs and barricades 72 hours in advance to accommodate the street closure at 366 Hawthorne Terrace (corner of Lenox and Hawthorne Terrace); and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Police Department recommends the assignment of two (2) Auxiliary Officers and coordination with the Sector Car and Supervisor for security, with the understanding that any additional police staffing needed will be at the expense of the event organizers; and
Whereas, the event is intended as a free, family-friendly celebration themed “United We Stand,” featuring music, dance, art, and food to honor African heritage and community unity; and
Whereas, the applicant, Rose Luangisa, has reached out to the area residents and obtained their support, and the street closure will not impact essential vehicular traffic; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Host Event. Permission is hereby granted to Rose Luangisa and event organizers to hold the 2025 Wakanda Celebration on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the designated locations: 374, 375, and 366 Hawthorne Terrace, and to use the Traphagen Elementary School parking lot for guest parking.
Section 2. Street Closures and Parking
(a) The Department of Public Works is authorized to post “No Parking” signs and install barricades 72 hours in advance of the event to temporarily close Hawthorne Terrace between Lenox Avenue and the designated properties.
(b) The street closure shall not obstruct driveways and must maintain sidewalk access for pedestrians.
(c) Free parking shall be provided at Traphagen School, 72 Lexington Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY.
Section 3. Public Safety Requirements.
(a) Two (2) Auxiliary Police Officers shall be assigned to the event.
(b) The Police Supervisor shall have the authority to assign additional officers at the event organizer’s expense, should the need arise.
(c) Private security, if procured, must be licensed by New York State and bonded. Documentation must be submitted to the Police Department at least 72 hours prior to the event.
Section 4. Compliance with City Code.
(a) No alcoholic beverages may be consumed or sold on public or city-owned property, per City Code § 191-1.
(b) Vendors, if present, must be set up on one (1) side of the street only and must not obstruct any driveways.
(c) All signage and traffic control devices must meet city standards, and sidewalks must remain accessible to the public at all times.
Section 5. Conditions of Authorization. The authorization granted herein shall be subject to the following conditions:
A. Attendance and Admission. The event shall be invitation-only, with attendance managed through Eventbrite, not to exceed 450 guests.
B. Parking and Access. Free parking shall be available for attendees at the Traphagen School located at 72 Lexington Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY, as per the attached approval. Sidewalks must remain open to pedestrians with proper visible signage.
C. Safety and Security. The Mount Vernon Police Department shall determine the level of police presence or Auxiliary Police required for the event, with costs to be paid by the event organizers at least 72 hours before the event. Any private security procured must be licensed and bonded, with documentation provided 72 hours before the event.
Section 6. Indemnification and Reimbursement. The event organizers shall execute the attached “Reimbursement and Indemnification Agreement,” agreeing to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Mount Vernon, its officers, employees, and agents, from all liability, damage, claims, demands, costs, judgments, fees, attorney fees, or losses arising from the event. The organizers shall also reimburse the City for any costs incurred due to damages or additional services required.
Section 7. Department of Public Works Coordination. The Department of Public Works shall place “No Parking” signs 72 hours in advance and shall place barricades for street closure at 366 Hawthorne Terrace (corner of Lenox and Euclid Avenue), as needed to ensure the safety and convenience of residents and attendees.
Section 8. Fire Department Site Visit and Safety Inspection. The City of Mount Vernon Fire Department shall conduct a site visit no less than three (3) hours prior to the event opening. The purpose of this inspection is to evaluate all fire extinguishers, electrical connections, egress paths, and potential trip hazards. A detailed site plan (drawing) must be submitted to the Fire Department no later than one (1) week prior to the event.
Section 9. Crowd Management Requirements. Pursuant to New York State 2020 Fire Code Section 403.12.3.1, a minimum of two (2) trained crowd managers shall be present at the event. Additionally, one (1) trained crowd manager is required for every 250 attendees or portion thereof.
Section 10. Open Flame and Equipment Permits. An inspection and valid permit are required before the event for any use of open flames or warming units. Each vendor’s stand and tent must be equipped with a minimum of one (1) inspected 5-pound ABC fire extinguisher. If gasoline, kerosene, or diesel generators will be used, such equipment must also be inspected and permitted by the Fire Department prior to the event.
Section 11. Emergency Ambulance Services Notification. If additional emergency ambulance services are required, written notice must be provided to the appropriate City authorities at least ninety-six (96) hours in advance of the event.
Section 12. Indemnification and Insurance Requirement. Permission for the event is expressly conditioned upon the requirement that Rose Luangisa of Wakanda Celebration Inc. shall assume all liability for any damages to persons or property arising from the event. The event organizer shall indemnify and hold harmless the City of Mount Vernon. Before acting upon this ordinance, the organizer must file with the City Clerk a certificate of insurance approved by the Corporation Counsel, naming the City of Mount Vernon as an additional insured. The policy shall carry a minimum liability limit of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence.
Section 13. Police Services and Cost Reimbursement. If City personnel are deemed necessary for directing traffic or ensuring public safety-including in connection with barbeque grills, tent coverings over grills, or similar setups-the organizer, Rose Luangisa of Wakanda Celebration Inc., shall reimburse the City for the full overtime costs associated with the deployment of police officers. The number and assignment of such officers shall be at the sole discretion of the Commissioner of Public Safety.
Section 14. Severability. If any section, clause, or provision of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 15. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the City Council and only upon the filing of documents in the office of the City Clerk of Mount Vernon.