SPECIAL EVENT POLICY & GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: SPECIAL EVENT DEFINITIONS

BLOCK PARTY: A neighborhood celebration or event, but shall not include a garage sale, yard sale, bazaar, rummage sale or other similar activity having the principal purpose of fundraising for an individual or organization, nor shall it include a political meeting or rally, carnival or theatrical or musical performance such as concerts or similar events. No block party shall charge a fee for any item, including but not limited to admission, food or beverage.

EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY: Any assembly or similar gathering held for the purpose of exercising free speech activity protected by either the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I, Section 8 of the New York State Constitution, which shall include conduct the sole or principle purpose of which is the expression, dissemination or communication of opinions, views, or ideas and for which no fee or donation is charged or required as a condition of participation in such assembly.  It includes, by way of illustration and without limitation, press conferences, speeches, protests and demonstrations. 

EVENT LEVEL: The Event Level will be determined by the Superintendent of Recreation and Parks or his/her designee in consultation, where necessary, with other village departments, as reviewed by the SEAC. There are three event levels: 

  • Event Level 1 - Anticipated attendance of participants, staff, volunteers and others not to exceed 299 as well as staff determination of scope of requested village support services; and
  • Event Level 2 - Anticipated attendance of participants, staff, volunteers  and others between 300 and 499 as well as staff determination of scope of requested village support services; and
  • Event Level 3 - Anticipated attendance of participants, staff, volunteers and others exceeds 500 as well as staff determination of scope of requested village support services.

PUBLIC PROPERTY: Property which is owned, operated, maintained, and/or controlled by the Village which is not rental in nature. Examples of public property include, but are not limited to, parking lots, plazas, public spaces, streets, sidewalks and parks.

PARADE: Any march or procession consisting of people, animals, bicycles, vehicles or a combination thereof, except funeral processions, on any public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public right-of-way, which obstructs, delays, or interferes, with the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or does not comply with traffic laws or controls.

SPECIAL EVENT: Any temporary gathering, demonstration, performance, exhibition, amusement or activity that is conducted or sponsored by a person, organization, entity or association other than the Village of Ossining, proposed to be held on public property or on private property either affecting public property or requiring Village support services. Examples of special events include, but are not limited to, carnivals, circuses, fairs, bazaars, outdoor shows and concerts, parades, religious processions, walks, runs, marathons, bicycle races, which may involve one or more of the following:

  • The closing of a public street.
  • The use, blocking, or restriction of Village property, roads, or rights-of-way.
  • The use of amplified sound exceeding the standards set forth in Chapter 178 (Noise) of the Village of Ossining Code.
  • The sale or service of food and/or alcohol to the public.
  • The substantial increase or disruption of the normal flow of traffic on any street or highway.
  • The placement of portable toilets.
  • The placement of temporary no-parking or directional signs or banners.
  • Construction and/or installation of temporary structures, including but not limited to a stage.
  • Installation of a tent exceeding 400 square feet.
  • The use of Village support services that would otherwise not be necessary in the absence of such an event.

SPONSOR: Individual, group of individuals, corporation, or other entity responsible for organizing the special event.

SUPERINTENDANT: Refers to the Superintendent of the Department of Recreation and Parks or his/her designee.

SUPPORT SERVICES: Those services which must be provided by the Village to ensure that a special event is conducted in such a manner as to protect the safety, health, property, and general welfare of Village residents and property owners. Examples include fire protection, crowd management and control, traffic management and control, and sanitation services.