Friday, May 05, 2000
Maifest plan aims to curb rowdy crowds
By Cindy Schroeder
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — City officials and Maifest planners are expected to avoid another rowdy Mardi Gras mess by signing onto a plan affecting everything from security to liquor sales.
One of the final sticking points was resolved Thursday, when the MainStrasse Village Association agreed to abide by the city's wishes to curtail beer and liquor sales outside of bars at the upcoming festival on May 19-21.
In the past, MainStrasse Village bars and restaurants have sold beer from windows in their establishments during festivals. Customers also were allowed to buy drinks in the bars and carry them outside.
“We'd like to see the practice continue, but ultimately we'll abide by the city's decision,” said Nick Franzese, a member of the festival plan ning staff.
“We received a fax that implies they're going to deal with us on this liquor thing,” said Tom Steidel, Covington's assistant city manager. “If that's the case, I have just a few phone calls to make to police (on security issues), and I think everything's resolved.”
Mr Steidel said he expects to sign a festival permit today, clearing the way for the 21st annual Maifest.
The celebration, which features food and crafts booths, musical entertainment and rides, is based on the German tradition of welcoming the first spring wines.
At the March 3 and 4 Mardi Gras, MainStrasse residents complained of rowdy celebrants who damaged private property and urinated in yards and streets.
The Maifest plan calls for:
• Raising festival beer prices from $3 to $4 in an attempt to reduce chances for rowdiness and underage drinking.
• Allowing Covington police to control security. Police will supplement security hired by the MainStrasse Village Association with extra officers answerable to the city. The village association will be billed.
• Extending the festival cleanup area by two blocks, increasing the number of garbage containers and serving beer in hard plastic souvenir cups to cut down on trash.
• Nearly doubling the number of portable toilets and providing a plan for servicing them.
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