HALIFAX CELEBRATION COMMITTEE

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024

Committee meeting was called to order at 6:03pm on Thursday, June 27, 2024.  In attendance was Kathy Coulombe, Gary Rand, Joan Courser, Tina Blais and Patty Dow.

Non Committee members present:  David Jones and Cassie Mclaren

Topics of discussion included this years celebration and next years Old Home Day Week.

A recap of the possible plans for this years celebration to get newcomers up to speed. Committee members informed the group of the action items that were on their task list from last meeting:

Kathy spoke about the Pinewood Derby and her concerns regarding the building of the track. Gary volunteered to help with construction of the track. Dimensions of the cars and the track were discussed and agreed that the race would be near the Halifax Fire Station in the road.

Patty stated that the Sumners and Susan Longe agreed to the use of their lawn for the events and have not heard back from Groove Prophet yet. But it was decided to go forward with the celebration day on August 24.

Tina stated she still needed to get in touch with the Jacksonville Store, but she mailed the donation letters to local companies.

Joan will continue to speak with Malcolm regarding the hayrides and will also talk to the church about their involvement.

Gary stated several people were interested in the car show, the Community Hall Café will provide sandwiches for purchase for lunch, and he will look into the liability insurance for the bouncy houses.

David Jones spoke about DVFiber and Detlef Ronneberger wanting to have a booth at the celebration with a possible ice cream social. This event could either be during the town celebration or its own separate day. Readsboro, Stamford and Whitingham had similar ice cream socials covered by DVFiber. There will be a representative there to meet and greet with a laptop there to show people how they fit into the plan. The Broadband committee will be present as well to help people understand if they are set up for installation. The committee discussed possible having the DVFiber table and ice cream social near the car show area.

The Hydration Station was discussed possibly coordinating with the church to have both areas combined. It was also discussed having snacks and beverages for sale on the lawn of the community hall, tables such as Donnas baked goods, maybe fried dough, lemonade by a school group as possibilities.

Musical entertainment was discussed. To keep costs lower, we could use sirrus radio and the speaker system at the car show area and have 50’s and 60’s music on the recommendation of Gary from other car shows he has seen. We have not heard back from the band yet, a possible other option could be a barn dance/square dance instruction or hire a DJ to play music for dancing.

Fundraising was discussed with options of Cock-A-Doodle Poo, 50/50 raffle, sponsors for events with banners, possible sale of textiles to help fund this year and start pre-funding Old Home day next year.

Action items for next time:

David Jones will talk to DVFiber regarding the ice cream social, and will speak with Dan Longe regarding dinner.

Tina will work on a celebration facebook page and she would monitor it.

Kathy and Gary will work on the Car Derby

Patty will contact Coke to see about getting water donated and will brainstorm about fundraising, also will contact Dennis Annear to see about a Fireman’s Muster during the dinner hours, and will contact Wendy Musiak about the historical society being open and their involvement in the celebration.

Joan will talk to Malcolm and the Church

Cassie will talk to food trucks and others regarding the dinner hours.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:40 with the next meeting being set for Thursday, July 11 at 6:00 pm at the town office.