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 ...
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