Fireworks, Explore Festival Events Returning To Berlin

BERLIN – Town officials approved plans for a handful of special events at Burley Oak Brewing Company in spite of concerns regarding permitting issues at the business.

The Berlin Town Council approved the brewery’s plans for three Explore Berlin Festival dates as well as the July 3 fireworks as long as Burley Oak addressed permitting issues identified by the town’s planning and zoning department. According to town staff, Burley Oak employees were doing work without a permit Monday.

“A permitting issue is something that needs to be squared away so nobody can say we’re playing favorites,” Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said.

Bryan Brushmiller, owner of Burley Oak, approached the council Monday seeking approval for festival dates on April 22, May 13 and June 10 as well as permission to host festivities during Berlin’s July 3 fireworks display. Brushmiller said the Explore Berlin Festival was the same event the brewery had hosted in the past. On each of the festival dates, April 22, May 13 and June 10, he said he wanted to cordon off his parking lot from noon to 8 p.m. to offer beer and live music outside Burley Oak. He said downtown merchants would be invited to set up tables to sell their wares during the events, each of which typically attracts 350-400 people.

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