‘Black and Brown' beach party moved from Old Lyme after concerns raised over noise
A beach gathering that organizers describe as a chance for adults to relax and connect is being moved from Old Lyme to New London after town officials raised concerns about the event’s size and use of a DJ.
The gathering, started nearly two decades ago by organizer Hillary Brown, began as a small outing for a few dozen women at Sound View Beach. Over the years, it has grown to about 100 people and expanded to include men.
“It is an experience: taking a day off, enjoying sitting by the water, enjoying each other’s company, playing games, sharing food, empowering each other just to keep going,” Brown said.
The annual event took place in June, and organizers planned a second gathering for next Friday. The event’s theme for clothing was “Black and Brown,” which Brown said was misunderstood by some people.
“I believe that people took that theme out of context. All they saw was black and brown. It’s the black and brown experience,” Brown said.
At a town meeting Monday, Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker said police and community members had raised concerns about the upcoming event, including the potential size of the crowd and the presence of a DJ.
Shoemaker noted that previous gatherings had also included a DJ.
“I think it might have been the exact same DJ, again very respectful and worked with the police and the rangers to ensure safety, tried to work with sound issues, etc.,” Shoemaker said.
For regular participants, the gathering is simply an opportunity to spend time with friends.
“It’s just a regular day at the beach with a bunch of friends. That’s it. That’s the whole purpose: to take a day off from work — no kids, no work, no problems — put all your worries aside, go sit by the water, and enjoy yourself with friends,” said Beth Murphy of Bloomfield.
On Thursday, the Sound View Commission voted to recommend updated rules that would ban DJs and consider requiring permits for beach gatherings.
Brown has since decided to move the event to Ocean Beach Park in New London.
“It’s going to be just a fun time, just like it was going to be in Old Lyme. It’s just moved to a different location now,” Murphy said.
NBC Connecticut reached out to Shoemaker seeking clarification on why a DJ is now considered a concern and responding to questions raised by organizers about whether the event’s theme may have influenced the reaction.
A response had not been received as of Friday.
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