Wilmington Approves First-Ever Beer Garden at Fun on the 4th Celebration

WILMINGTON — March 23, 2026 — Wilmington Select Board approves first beer garden at Fun on the 4th in 4-1 vote. The board Monday granted one-day alcohol licenses for beer and wine service at both the annual Fun on the 4th celebration and the returning Fall Fest, with Patrick Drowey, chairman of the Wilmington Fourth of July Committee, and Adam Drowey of Broadway Hospitality Group's Tavern in the Square presenting a plan that includes a fenced tented area, wristband tracking, a three-drink maximum, and TIPS-certified staff. Member Jake Carr voted no on both licenses, saying he did not believe "you need to drink on public property to have fun." The board also raised the all-alcohol package store license fee from $1,750 to $2,250, consistent with recent increases to restaurant license fees, and received a detailed briefing from Principal Assessor Karen Raskin on property tax exemption options for seniors and veterans — including a warrant article already filed for the May 2 annual town meeting that would double exemption amounts for veterans with service-connected disabilities, a population that currently accounts for $102,200 in annual abatements across 179 Wilmington households.