Time’s running out
Lottery window for Greenwich Town Party will soon close
GREENWICH — It might be too early for some to think about the next Greenwich Town Party, which is set for May 2019, but residents who want to go need to act or they will be shut out of the chance to purchase Community tickets.
A new system is in place for the annual all-day music festival in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. People have until Sept. 4 to sign up for a lottery that will give winners the opportunity to purchase the tickets. Those who sign up by the deadline will be part of the random drawing, which is expected to take place in mid to late September.
Greenwich Town Party officials did not provide numbers, but Co-President Ray Rivers said Monday there has been an enthusiastic response and there is a high demand for tickets.
“We have a capacity of 8,000 people at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, so the demand is higher than our supply,” Rivers said. “We encourage everyone who wants to ensure entry to buy Neighbor or Sponsor passes, which are (already on sale). Don’t wait. Historically, this has been a sold-out event.”
Neighbor and Sponsor tickets are considerably more expensive than the Community passes, but offer perks, including preferred
parking and amenities.
The lottery is only open to those who are town residents or who work or attend school in town. Those who are eligible can go to www.greenwichtownparty.org and fill out an application. Applicants will have to submit their name and address and verify their residency or employment status in town.
A purchase limit has been set for six Community tickets and four Senior tickets per person. Winners will be informed by email. Those who win the lottery but do not purchase tickets by a specific date will have their spot on the list taken by the next eligible person until all tickets have been sold.
The lottery was created in response to public outcry after tickets to the the 2018 party, which featured Eric Clapton as the headliner, sold out rapidly on the party’s phone system. Many residents complained they didn’t have a fair chance to go.
The GTP announced the lottery in June.
“The goal of the GTP is to unite a large and diverse town of Greenwich, made up of several different neighborhoods, behind one common purpose, to celebrate our community,” Rivers said. “We hope people who haven’t been able to purchase tickets in the past take advantage of this new system and enter the lottery on our website. This system gives everyone an equal opportunity to sign up in a relaxed, less stressful way.”
The 2019 Community tickets, which are essentially general admission, will cost $85 apiece, the same price as tickets for the 2018 party. Senior tickets will also remain at $25. Admission for children 12 and under will remain free.
The GTP is asking that people entering the lottery only put in one application for Community or Senior tickets per family.
“We encourage everyone to keep the spirit of the town party in mind and to buy the ticket they can afford,” Rivers said. “The board of directors will directly supervise the lottery process and ensure that it is fair.”