Decorah City Council approves "Decorah Open Streets" events

The Decorah City Council has agreed to be a sponsor of two "Decorah Open Streets" events this year.

The city council voted Monday night to allow the closing of parts of Water Street, Main Street, River Street and State Street on Sunday, June 10th and Sunday, September 23rd.  It also agreed to help sponsor the Open Streets event--which had formerly been called a Ciclovia event.

Organizer David Paquette says the two events will be "community family-friendly events" featuring live music, walking, jogging, chalk art, bicycle decorating, Zumba and Pilates classes, to name a few events.

The Decorah Open Streets' request to reimburse the city for using the city's insurance policy for the events drew questioning from city council member Randy Schissel, who said other events like Nordic Fest and the Farmers Market were required to get their own insurance.  But the majority of the city council agreed with council member Paul Wanless, who said the city should help get the event started and then see what happens.