Salem event organizers will now decide whether the city’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area will be part of their events after City Council approved changes to the event application process Tuesday.
The amendment comes after debate surrounding the Salem City Super Cruise, where organizers and some participants raised concerns about allowing open alcohol consumption during one of the region’s largest summer gatherings, which draws hundreds of classic and vintage vehicles downtown.
Under the updated ordinance, organizers seeking council approval for special events must indicate on their application whether they want the DORA included. Previously, the decision rested with City Council.
Council members approved the change and then signed off on an amended application for this year’s Salem Super Cruise after organizers opted out of DORA participation.
Concerns centered on the combination of alcohol and the close proximity of high-value show cars, with some residents and participants questioning whether the setup could create safety issues, crowd control problems or increase the risk of damage to vehicles.
Supporters of keeping the DORA available noted there were no reported issues when the refreshment district was unintentionally active during last year’s cruise. However, council ultimately decided event-specific decisions should be left to organizers.
City officials indicated the change is not expected to significantly alter DORA operations for most downtown events.
The Salem Super Cruise is scheduled for June 11-14.
