8/21/14 - A new fall festival could be a go in Green Oak - provided the man behind it can pull it together and meet a number of conditions set forth by the township board Wednesday night. Rob Cortis, who owns the old Barnstormer banquet facility that was the subject of lengthy litigation with the township, is looking to host the Four County Fall Festival September 25th â 28th. Itâs being proposed on a different property that he owns on the west side of Whitmore Lake Road between 8 Mile and M-36 and would feature a carnival, vendors, family activities and entertainment. Cortis told WHMI this will be the first event on the property heâs actually owned for about 15 years now so heâs excited and wants to make it an annual family event. The board has been very clear about expectations and whatâs needed to make the festival happen. It went through a laundry list of concerns and items that must be addressed but the utmost was safety according to Supervisor Mark St. Charles. He feels itâs a good location and will be another avenue of entertainment for the community but a number of outstanding issues must be resolved within nine days - most of which St. Charles feels are small ticket items that can be done relatively fast if Cortis applies himself. He says Cortis did do a pretty decent job of addressing the list of items and clearing the site of debris and potential hazards but heâs got a little bit to go. Members stated there must be ample medical personnel and security at the event for traffic control and flow as well as parking. It was noted that event staff and security would also need to wear specially labeled shirts in high visibility colors â and nothing related to any specific motorcycle clubs. The board also stressed that Cortis would not be able to host any beer tent through his own corporation but it would be permitted and any liquor license must be secured by a non-profit through both the state and the local police department. (JM)
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