State shuts down plans for elaborate Castle Island event

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“Summer months Splash” was planned for June 23, but organizers did not request a allow.

Castle Island was established to host a controversial party this summer months, just before the state shut it down more than a absence of the suitable allow. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

Quickly soon after tickets had been offered for a flashy celebration on Castle Island, the celebration was shut down by the point out this 7 days. 

The celebration, recognized as Summertime Splash, was getting prepared for June 23, NBC 10 Boston reported. Tickets had been getting sold for $25 and company ended up likely to have obtain to stay new music, dunk tanks, and water balloon fights, according to Caught in Southie

When the flier strike social media, locals instantly voiced their confusion to lawmakers,  particularly Sen. Nick Collins and State Rep. David Biele. Residents ended up puzzled for the reason that Castle Island closes at 8 p.m., and the celebration was advertised as likely until finally 11 p.m. They also puzzled how the Section of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) could situation a allow for a for-financial gain function, in accordance to Caught in Southie. 

As it turns out, DCR did not problem any permits for the party, and organizers experienced long gone in advance with promoting in any case. When contacted about the occasion, a DCR spokesperson confirmed that the office was built informed of Summer time Splash from social media postings. A DCR permit was not even asked for by the organizer, they included. 

DCR proceeded to get hold of the event organizer to advise them that they have been not authorized to keep an function at Castle Island, the spokesperson mentioned. The organizers then instructed DCR that they ended up canceling options to host the function, and would notify all these who experienced currently acquired correspondence about it. The spokesperson did not name the event’s organizer. 

The incident echoes a related problem that surrounded an event identified as Fright Island, that was being prepared for the very same spot, NBC 10 Boston documented. This Halloween-centric party would have lasted an full month, and bundled a range of outdoor “scare zones,” a carnival, and far more. 

It was pitched to DCR, but area citizens despatched letters, email messages, and organized local community conferences in opposition, NBC described. Community basic safety and the improper use of a historic landmark this kind of as Fort Independence ended up cited as good reasons for canceling the function.