Season to Remember will return to Park Theater. The annual event is for families and loved ones of homicide victims.

McMinnville officials unanimously approved a request to waive the rental fee of $200 for the facility so families can remember their loved ones.

“We are asking the insurance requirement be waived, or in the alternative, the rent be waived or significantly reduced,” said Penny Medley, victim witness coordinator with the District Attorney General’s Office. “Our program does not include any member of the audience being on stage for any reason, and there is no alcohol provided or allowed during our program.”

The 12th annual event is being held Nov. 26. A reception begins at 5 p.m., and the program starts at 6 p.m.

Each year, the District Attorney’s General’s Office presents the program to honor the families of victims of homicide. It is funded by donations from office staff, and the memorial signs are donated by Signs by Genia.

Consideration, albeit short lived, was given to not enforcing liability protection.

“My question is, can we waive the insurance requirement,” said Alderman Mike Neal.

City attorney Tim Pirtle was adamant against it.

“No,” said Pirtle, shaking his head. “The city is insured by TML Pool for all risk. However, the occupier, lessee, what have you, is separately required to have a third party liability policy in an amount not less than $1 million. The city of McMinnville was not brought in as a party, as it were, but there was litigation over a slip and fall at a non-alcohol, non-stage-related event at the Civic Center that wound through the courts for three to four years. I would strongly recommend against waiver of insurance.”

Guest speaker will be retired TBI director Mark Gwyn. Also in attendance will be Tina Fox, state director of victim services for the Board of Paroles.

If your family has been touched by a homicide, either in our district or elsewhere, and you would like to participate, contact Medley at 473-9572 as soon as possible.