Dogs, E-Bikes, Scooters And Skateboards Banned At Apple Harvest Fest: Southington PD

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington police are reminding visitors that dogs, bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, and other unauthorized vehicles will be prohibited within closed areas of the Apple Harvest Festival.

The restrictions will be enforced during the festival weekends of Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11, according to a public safety announcement from the Southington Police Department.

Police said Town Ordinance § 390-20, covering dogs and vehicles on closed roads, will be enforced on town roads, sidewalks, and rights-of-way closed to registered motor vehicle traffic during the festival.

The restrictions include:

• Dogs and other pets: Dogs are prohibited from closed roads and event areas regardless of whether they are leashed.
• Bicycles and scooters: Bicycles, e-bikes, mopeds, mini-motorcycles and scooters — whether powered by gasoline, batteries or manually — are prohibited.
• Skateboards and skates: Skateboards, in-line skates and rollerblades are prohibited.
• Other vehicles: Motorized devices that are not registered for standard road use or authorized by festival officials are prohibited.

There are several exceptions.

Town-owned and operated emergency vehicles and bicycles, including equipment used by Southington police and firefighters, are permitted.

Wheelchairs and other specialized mobility equipment used by people with physical disabilities are also exempt.

Police K-9s, guide and service dogs for people with visual or hearing impairments, and certified therapy animals are allowed, according to the announcement.

Vehicles, bicycles and animals actively participating in the official Apple Harvest Festival Parade or other authorized festival programming are also exempt.

Police said officers will continuously monitor the festival perimeter and detour routes.

Anyone who violates the ordinance — or the parent or guardian of a minor who violates it — may be fined under the Southington Town Code. Unauthorized vehicles or conveyances that create a hazard in pedestrian areas could also be immediately removed or impounded, police said.

From Sept. 30: 'Southington Apple Harvest Festival Returns (Fritters Too); Here's What To Know'