Special Events

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Special Events require a Special Event Permit and Liability Insurance for the event.

SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT WITH PARK RESERVATION 

Special events not inside a park should use the Special Event Permit application below

Park use under 100 attendees does not require a Special Event permit unless equipment (food vendors, tents, bounce houses, etc.) will be set up. Please check the City Calendar to see park reservations. Your application must be submitted 45 days in advance.

The following parks can be reserved.

  • Tam-O-Shanter
  • Rotary Park

All other parks are not reservable. Use is on a first come/first served basis.

Fees:

Tam O'Shanter:

  • Covered Shelters
    • Private Parties: $100 per 4 hours
    • Non-Profit: $75 per 4 hours
    • Special Event fee with Park Reservation: $25
    • Non-Resident Fee: $25
  • Entire Park for private use: $1,200 per day

Rotary Park:

  • Covered Shelters
    • Private Parties: $60 per 4 hours
    • Non-Profit: $40 per 4 hours
    • Special Event fee with Park Reservation: $25
    • Non-Resident Fee: $25

Documents Required:

  • Special Event Application
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance

The City of Kelso can be added as an additional insured for entities with existing liability insurance, or Event Liability Insurance Policies are available through Intact Insurance. More information on Event Insurance is available below.
Additional insurance for alcohol will be required. We need to know if there are animals, bouncy houses, etc. These may also require additional insurance.

SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT 

This permit is for events on city property (non-park).

Any event or gathering of persons organized by any person or entity which occurs on city property, is subject to the exemptions at Kelso Municipal Code Section 12.24.035. Your application must be submitted 45 days in advance.

The following types of events require a Special Events Permit: (For events or gatherings on Private Property use the Temporary Use Permit under the Land Use Application).

  • Parades
  • Runs
  • Sporting events
  • Street dances
  • Shows or exhibitions
  • Car shows
  • Street fairs
  • Block parties
  • Other demonstrations or exhibitions on city property

Fees:

  • Special Event Fee Non-Park $ 100
  • Non-Resident Fee $ 25

Documents Required:

  • Special Event Application 
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance

The City of Kelso can be added as an additional insured for entities with existing liability insurance, or Event Liability Insurance Policies are available through Intact Insurance. More information on Event Insurance is available below.
Additional insurance for alcohol will be required. We need to know if there are animals, bouncy houses, etc. These may also require additional insurance.

  • Site plan
  • Building permit if required (Tents, bounce house, etc.)
  • Traffic Control Plan if required
  • Letter Authorizing the applicant to apply for the special event permit on its behalf
  • See Special Event Checklist