Bristol 4th of July Committee says concert series will still move, ballot initiative campaign planned

BRISTOL, R.I. (WLNE) — The Bristol 4th of July Committee said that the decision to move the annual two week concert series to Roger Williams University will stay in place after a public meeting on Thursday.

In an announcement released on Jan. 24, the committee said the decision to move was made in order to accommodate larger crowds with more parking, as well as for “security, safety, and emergency access.”

“Community members presented thoughtful statements that the committee will consider moving forward, but for this year safety is our main concern and when we can accommodate the growth we will put together a plan that is best for the community and the families that attend the concerts,” the committee said in a statement.

Upset community members and businesses, who said they have raised $20,000 dollars and started a petition to keep the concerts at their traditional venue, were also in attendance.

“The committee ultimately hid behind a misleading narrative of safety, despite our group raising the money needed to implement the safety measures requested by the police chief, and our group having an extremely positive meeting with the police chief prior to tonight’s meeting,” Save Bristol 4th said in a statement.

Save Bristol 4th added that it plans to file a citizen’s ballot initiative to overturn the decision.

“The ballot measure would enshrine Independence Park as the permanent venue of the Bristol 4th of July Concert Series and require that any proposed venue change be subject to a vote of town residents,” the organization said.