Summary
After questions about whether Alive on 25 is worth the police and staffing costs, business owners rallied in support. The board agreed to keep the events, plan them earlier in the year, and explore additions like a restaurant week and moving the Fourth-before-the-Fourth back downtown.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
Events cost the town police and staffing money, but supporters say they pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into the downtown economy.
Downtown businesses, families, and the broader community benefit from foot traffic, visibility, and summer activation of Main Street.
Businesses that feel the event draws crowds to food trucks rather than their stores, and the Suffolk Theater, which loses parking.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Town Board Work Session - Jul 8, 2026
Private, for-profit events on town property currently get police services for free, costing taxpayers thousands per event — about $87,000 unrecovered in 2025. The board is considering legislation requiring reimbursement, with carve-outs for tourism-driving community events the town chooses to co-sponsor.
Town Board Work Session - Apr 2, 2026
After questions about whether Alive on 25 is worth the police and staffing costs, business owners rallied in support. The board agreed to keep the events, plan them earlier in the year, and explore additions like a restaurant week and moving the Fourth-before-the-Fourth back downtown.
Town Board Work Session - Mar 26, 2026
The popular downtown street festival may not return in 2026 — business groups told the board it favors food trucks over brick-and-mortar shops, and downtown construction complicates logistics. A decision is expected next week.
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