First, a shout-out to Fire Chief Aaron Reinstra for parking the “41” Fire engine on First Street to attract passersby. Second a salute to Public Works Director Brian Lease for taking extra time to allow access to the electric receptacle under the gazebo at the Washington Street pocket park so our DJ could spin the discs. Thanks to you both!

Thanks also to the committee members who put forth effort to help make this happen.

Overall, given the timing, limitations to conform to COVID requirements and working with no funding, I think it went quite well. We convinced a large number of merchants, some of whom were skeptical, to stay open later to enable shoppers access to their shops. Having non-traditional vendors at Gilkey Square was a positive thing, as cars entering town saw the activity and were curious.

I believe those vendors had a good evening. They were joined by a surprise appearance of a band raising funds for diapers for underprivileged parents

At the Washington Street gazebo an excellent DJ, “Lost in the Groove,” played favorites. Merchants at the north end of town told me it was positive, overall, and they would like to see more non-events happen, ideally through the fall into the winter.

Next Steps: The committee met Tuesday to exchange impressions, summarize and discuss possible next steps. I think I speak for the small but talented and passionate group that we want to continue! The one night non-event won’t solve all problems. We knew that going in. There needs to be a consistent plan, which we intend to lay out, but a main ingredient is buy-in by businesses in town to be a bit flexible and perhaps willing to “experiment” with non-traditional concepts.

Onward and upward!

Leaver is a Town Councilmember