Official Statement Regarding Ayer Fourth of July

Town SealThe Town of Ayer, through its Public Safety Officials, Town Management and Board of Selectmen met in an Open Session of the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday October 15, 2019 and discussed the Town’s Annual Fourth of July event, traditionally held at Pirone Park.  Among the issues discussed, were the challenges facing public safety personnel in providing a safe and secure environment.    In this day and age of increased acts of senseless violence; it is no longer a task that the Town can, with good conscious, pretend to meet.  A venue that supports only one way in or out for all pedestrians, motor vehicles, and responding public safety professionals (fire, ambulance, police) in and of itself is a recipe for disaster.  Added to this is inadequate staffing, the lack of bag restrictions, lack of a controlled entrance, inadequate/insufficient parking and insufficient lighting while exiting the park.  This was an extremely difficult decision to make for all persons involved, but keeping public safety our top priority, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to recognize the long-standing concern of its Public Safety Officials and Town Management.