The committee discussed planning weekend-long tricentennial kickoff events around New Year’s Eve 2026 and New Year’s Day 2027.

Don and committee members proposed a family-friendly First Night/First Day series that could include daytime activities, a music element and an early evening “ball drop.” Recreation Department staff Travis described experience staging similar events in other towns and suggested practical elements: a crane or lift to lower a light-wrapped ball for an early drop, ice sculptures to provide visual interest, and family activities such as a 5K and a carnival-style schedule of entertainers. Travis also flagged the complexity of a bonfire, noting other towns collect Christmas trees and stage a supervised burn on a municipal field in January in coordination with the fire department and volunteers.

Committee members noted Dec. 31, 2026, falls on a Thursday and Jan. 1, 2027, is a Friday — giving organizers a holiday weekend to program events. The group agreed to develop a short planning timeline for the weekend and to consider a two-day approach (daytime and evening activities on Jan. 1 plus a New Year’s Eve event) to maximize participation. The Recreation Department offered to help with logistics and advised that town property, insurance, and permits would determine whether fireworks, drone shows or a ball drop are feasible.

No budget or contracts were approved; the committee unanimously saw the weekend as a promising focal point to launch the tricentennial and asked staff and volunteers to begin drafting options and cost estimates.