Discussions Continue Over Future Of SantaCon In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — This year's annual SantaCon event in the Fairfield Beach Area was marred, as in past years, by excessive litter, drunken behavior, fights and other problems, and Fairfield officials are continuing to discuss the future of the popular college party.

In a Town Update this week, First Selectman Bill Gerber said that residents "have voiced their concerns about the size of the student gathering, the environmental impact to our fragile coastal ecosystem, and safety concerns," which has led to continued talks with Fairfield University.

The annual event is not held by the college, but hundreds of its students attend in the party, which is why town and school officials are talking.

"We held a constructive meeting with representatives of Fairfield University this week," Gerber said. "Next steps are to meet as a group of stakeholders with Fairfield University officials, students, impacted citizens and beach residents."

In the future, Gerber said the goal is to limit the size of the event, "mitigate any future environmental impacts, and be prepared to enforce our community standards."