Second Planning Meeting Notes
for
Holderness 250th Anniversary in 2011
June 1st, 2009-HoldernssTown Hall-6:30 PM
The meeting began at about 6:30 PM with the following people present: Fran Taylor, Jackie and Mark Marden, Debby and Willy Holland, Ed Ford, Peter Francesco, Barbara Currier, Betsy Whitmore, Susie Webster, Sid Lovett, Scott King, Larry Spencer, Georgene and Rick Fabian; also as special guests Louie Francesco and Rip Richards.
Georgene (the convener of the group) began the meeting by introducing Louis Francesco, long time Holderness resident who had participated in the 1961 boat parade and Rip Richards, formerly at Holderness School, who had helped with the street parade for the bicentennial.
Reminiscences: Louis felt that the boat parade had been unorganized. He feels boats should have an identifying number and the route should be well publicized. Furthermore, a viewing area for boats should be well marked out. Louis also recalled the “Bang-Go” boat races that were held on Little Squam Years ago. He described that all boats of all sizes and power would start at once near Perkins Lane and head down the lake at full speed. A judge would fire a shot and everyone would reverse direction. The first to get back to the starting line would win.
Nest, Rip recalled a Paul Bunyan float put together by Earl Jenkins, Sr. and the summer trail crew. Many different fire companies participated, and Holderness’ Model A engine was a big feature.
In further discussion, it was suggested that only antique boats be in the parade without a theme; other boats would wither be part of a float or a preregistered theme. Sid recalled that Frank Webster had been a big part in “whipping everyone into shape” to get things accomplished. Sid recalled a Sunday evening closing service that he did on Sheppard Hill that was a closing event to the celebration.
Fran noted that Dudley Laufman (square dance caller) has received a number of awards and should be asked to lead a dance. Barbara recalled the street dance being a lot of fun in past events.
Sid suggested that a game day be planned for kids and families. Perhaps Wendy Werner and Alex Ray might head it up.
Report on Tasks:
Willie noted that Fish & Game saw no problem with a parade in the river; they should be contacted in January, 2011. Marine Patrol handles permits for water shows and parades. They too should be contacted in January, 2011 to fill out paperwork. If an extra patrol boat is deemed necessary there is a charge of $75/hour, with a four hour minimum.
Debbie reported that both the Fired Department and Little Church Theatre are interested in being involved. Willoughby Ridge Farm and True Farm are interested in an equestrian event.
Ed said that the Holderness Police Department would give appropriate permits nearer the time of the event.
Positions to Fill:
Fran agreed that she and Tink would do Publicity. Treasurer and Publicity Person are still unfilled. (Larry Spencer noted the possibility of his availability to be Treasurer after January 2010.)
Current Activity Chairs:
Street Parade-Martha Macomber
Boat Parade- Peter Francesco
Water Show- Jeff Keefer
Updating Holderness History-Tink Taylor
Other Possibilities for Events:
- Have kids make fund raising jars for town businesses; also a fund-raiser making T-shirts
- Announcing the event can be done to Postal Patrons for about $130 (postage only)
- Fran mentioned the possibility of applying for grants
- Larry Spencer suggested that the author of the music of On Golden Pond, Dave Grusin, might be appropriate for our concert
Request Little Church Theatre run a street dance with Dudley Laufman.
Have a road race or a cycle race 9check with the Library which may be having one that summer)
- Sid Lovett nominated his son-in-law, Richie Weymouth of Holderness School to work with Wendy on a game day
- Scott recommended getting Plymouth Regional High School involved-possibility a float with a musical theme and some student to produce a video of the event
- It was recommended to keep having articles in the paper
- It seemed to be the consensus that the whole event would fall over several days, possibly a week. One version might be:
Monday-Concert at Gazebo
Tuesday-Trail Day
Wednesday-Game Day with Barbecue
Thursday-Cycle Race
Friday-Street Dance at Little Church Theatre
Saturday-Street Parade
Sunday-Boat Parade, Water Show and evening Vesper Service
Next meeting:
Monday, July 27th, 2009 at 6:30 PM at the Town Hall. (This date was picked to follow the Town Summer meeting which has been changed to Saturday, July 25th.)
Respectfully submitted,
Rick Fabian
June 6th, 2009
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