No camping at The Yard

WHATFest, an annual Wyoming music festival, will be returning to the Platte Valley, albeit in a limited form. 

During the July 6 meeting of the Saratoga Town Council, The Yard co-owner Chris Shannon appeared before the governing body to inform them of a music event which would take place at his venue on July 24.

“I thought, since there was a meeting I should just run down here and let you guys know because the last time we were together, Councilman (Ron) Hutchins thought despite the need for a permit, it was still a good informative tool, so I just wanted to be informative,” said Shannon.

The last music event held at The Yard was on June 5 and was for the venue’s annual Hiwater Hoedown. Following the event, members of the governing body addressed concerns which included what Councilmember D’Ron Campbell described as “extensive tentage”. Due to the concern over the extensive camping seen at The Yard surrounding the Hiwater Hoedown, the governing body sent a letter following their June 15 meeting to remind Shannon camping was not permitted for special events unless in specifically approved areas.

Indeed, according to Section 5.30.020(P) of Saratoga Municipal Code, overnight camping in relation to specially permitted events is only allowed for bicycle tours and motorcycle or car rallies. Additionally, overnight camping is only allowed on Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD2) property at the discretion of the CCSD2 Board of Trustees.

Councilmember Jon Nelson addressed his concern in regards to camping following the June 5 concert. After Nelson read from municipal code, Shannon stated he believed the ordinance was discriminatory against The Yard and stated his venue was like a property owner that could provide permission to camp just as CCSD2 could.

“We’ve had this conversation multiple times and on multiple forums when it comes to how to balance special events in residential districts versus retail business districts,” said Nelson. “I’ve certainly argued that, as a retail business, you have certain rights that are kind of above and beyond in a residential zone simply out of respect for people’s residences.”

Nelson went on to state he believed The Yard was an example of the phrase “give them an inch and they take a mile” and while the governing body was trying to work with Shannon, there had to be some respect to the ordinances. When Shannon tried to argue someone could have house guests camp on their property, Nelson established what he saw as the difference between Shannon’s argument and what The Yard was currently doing.

“Having house guests is very different than having an event where you’re charging admission and selling the food and beverages. It’s a totally different thing. You know it is,” Nelson said. “Me having someone over to my house and giving them a burger is a world away from setting up a gate and having all those bands and selling tickets.”

Included in the discussion of camping at The Yard was the discussion of alcoholic beverages at the music venue. Along with submitting a special event application, Shannon stated he would apply for a malt beverage permit. As discussion over the malt beverage permit took place, Shannon made another attempt at gaining approval for camping on his property by stating it was a safety issue to not let people camp on the premises.

“So maybe we shouldn’t serve alcohol at all. Maybe that’s the solution,” replied Nelson. “If people can’t go home safely, maybe the malt beverage permit is off the table.”

Days after the council meeting, a post on social media began advertising “A WHAT Thing at The Yard” stating the event was free with a $10 suggested donation and reminding potential attendees camping was not allowed on-site.

The next meeting of the Saratoga Town Council will be at 6 p.m. on July 20 at Saratoga Town Hall.