Main Street Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Borough Council have released the description of events planned for Remembrance Day this year. Organizers went all out this year in celebration of the 250th anniversary of our country. A steam locomotive will arrive from York on November 18. An actor will portray Abraham Lincoln, arriving at the historic Lincoln train station and traveling to the Wills house on the Square — subsequently traveling to the National Cemetery to deliver the historic Gettysburg address. Other activities taking place on the Square later in the day include Civil War era songs and historic interpreters. This event is truly representative of Gettysburg and the organizers should be lauded for their efforts to commemorate this moment.
In contrast to this respectful and appropriate effort, Main Street Gettysburg — likely in coordination with the Borough Manager who is a non-voting member of the Main Street board–will close all the streets near the Square for several days, and hold a concert of pop music as well as inviting street vendors. Main Street has sent out emails urging local businesses to lobby our Council members to establish a “pilot” program during the historic period allowing people to purchase and walk the streets with open alcoholic beverages.
In 2022 there was a proposed 8-month pilot program to allow walking around the area adjacent to the Square with open alcoholic beverages, purportedly bringing new economic activity to the downtown. The topic was discussed at length. Residents, businesses, and youth advocacy organizations spoke of the fact that downtown Gettysburg and its history are not well represented by an open drinking environment. The police chief spoke of additional enforcement needs. The proposal was defeated by a 4-3 vote. Moon, Lawson, Carr voted for it — Heyser, Butterfield, Berger, Lawver voted against. The Rec Park has been designated as a place where alcohol can be consumed and a concert performed with approval from the Borough. And no need to close major streets.
Main Street is a non profit organization supposedly working for the improvement of downtown Gettysburg. It doesn’t seem appropriate for it to be lobbying the Borough Council to suspend rules that were recently confirmed to maintain the quality of the environment in downtown Gettysburg. Since when is open alcohol consumption necessary to enjoy Gettysburg?
Susan Cipperly
Gettysburg
