Vernon Lights festival gets temporary permit

Organizers of the Vernon Lights Festival have received a temporary activity permit for Nov. 15-17, Vernon Township Mayor Harry Shortway said on Wednesday.

The festival is scheduled to open on Nov. 15, at the former Camp Sussex site and is scheduled to run through Jan. 5 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, even though organizers are only permitted through Nov. 17 only.

Shortway said in a Facebook post that a fireworks display has not been requested

He also said relevant township departments will evaluate residents' concerns regarding the event and secondary issues will be analyzed. He said alternative solutions will be formulated to address issues before a second permit is issued.

This administration is cognizant of the concerns of residents," Shortway said in a statement. "We are balancing residents’ concerns, property owner’s rights, township codes and the need for township amenities in our decision-making process."

Tickets will go on sale on Nov. 1.

“We purchased the 96-acre parcel in 2015 for the purpose of creating Glenwood Lake Arts Park," said Baoli Zhang, CEO of Glenwood Arts Park and CPAA North America. "The Vernon Lights Festival is the first of many events and initiatives with focus on cultural diversity, the community and the arts. "

Shortway said any permanent structures or use that fall outside a "camp" will require a public hearing before the Land Use Board.