AHOSKIE – Town of Ahoskie officials are extremely proud of their newly christened amphitheater…so much to the point that they will let others enjoy the use of the facility.

At their monthly meeting here Tuesday, the Ahoskie Town Council approved a long list of guidelines and procedures dealing with the rental of the amphitheater.

The facility formally opened on Sept. 12 at the new Ahoskie Creek Recreational Complex. Since that inaugural event, the town has received several requests to use the facility. That prompted Ahoskie Town Manager Tony Hammond and other town officials to develop an amphitheater rental policy.

On Tuesday, Hammond went over the seven-page policy, one that included these highlights:

Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Any scheduled Town of Ahoskie event or program takes top priority.

The amphitheater will not be available if the events/programs interfere with the functions of the town and/or its users because of noise or other factors.

Alcoholic beverages are permitted with the approval of the town manager.

In events attended by individuals under the age of 18, one adult chaperone is required for every five persons under that age.

Renters are responsible for set-up and clean-up of the facility and grassy seating areas.

Renters are entitled to exclusive use of the amphitheater only; they cannot prevent others from using the adjoining park areas.

All refuse must be disposed of properly in containers provided. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the rental security deposit.

Renters must reimburse the town for any damages done to the facility.

Renters must provide portable restrooms set-up at either the north or south ends of the plaza. Contracting for the placement and removal of such restrooms are the responsibility of the user.

Due to underground water and electrical lines, driving stakes, fence posts, flag poles, etc. in the ground are not allowed.

Reservations must be made by a person age 21 or over.

All approved events will require a special use permit and, where applicable, insurance coverage.

The amphitheater is available for rental year-round, seven days per week between the hours of 12 noon and 11:30 p.m.

Rental fees are $250 per event for Town of Ahoskie residents or $500 per event for non-residents. There is an additional $300 security deposit in both cases. The security deposit will be returned within 21 days following an inspection of the amphitheater facilities and grounds by town staff.

Some events may require the presence of police officers for security reasons. The Ahoskie Police Department has sole discretion on whether or not security is needed. If security is needed, a uniformed police officer or officers with jurisdiction in Ahoskie must be utilized. In such cases, a $44.50 per officer, per hour security fee is required of the user.

To receive additional information concerning public use of the amphitheater or to request a rental application, contact the Ahoskie Town Hall at 252-332-5146 or the Ahoskie Recreation Department at 252-332-2064.