The 250th anniversary of the nation took center stage during the meeting, as participants brainstormed ideas to commemorate the milestone effectively. The council considered an array of activities, including the involvement of local schools like the Brook Academy in a program named “Revolutionary Schools.” This initiative aims to engage students in historical events relevant to the region. The council discussed organizing a themed “patriotic adventure” field day in 2026, aligning with the anniversary. However, they noted that field day activities are now organized by parents rather than the town, which has reduced community involvement.

The concept of an open house during the anniversary was also on the table, inviting local schools to participate in historical activities and outdoor events such as reenactments. The council stressed the importance of early communication with schools to ensure maximum participation, noting that many historical groups would be in demand for various events that year. To enhance outreach, they considered using “Friday folders” for distributing information to parents.

In preparation for the 250th anniversary, the council called for volunteers to assume leadership roles in planning committees. They highlighted the importance of engaging former members and trustees to strengthen community involvement. A press release to inform the community about upcoming events and rebranding efforts to generate excitement was proposed. Additionally, the council recognized the need for gathering volunteers’ names before the next meeting to effectively organize committees.

The council also explored potential collaborations with groups like the “Forgotten Victory Trail,” which has developed kiosks throughout the county, to enhance local historical awareness. Discussions included integrating video presentations of historical reenactments into tours of local sites to boost visitor engagement. The council expressed interest in potential artifact donations and presentations by local archaeologists, which could provide further educational opportunities.

Another topic was the upcoming “Journey Through the Past” event, scheduled to coincide with the township’s Fall Fest, which typically draws around 5,000 attendees. The council reviewed past activities during the Fall Fest, such as serving refreshments and conducting historic house tours. They debated the feasibility of inviting historical reenactors, given budget constraints, and considered cost-effective alternatives like using the historic house as a hayride stop.

The council emphasized the importance of community engagement. They acknowledged that the structure of previous events like Colonial Christmas had become less effective, leading to diminished participation. Proposals to rejuvenate these events included shifting toward community-oriented gatherings rather than strict fundraisers, and possibly introducing auctions to boost fundraising efforts.

The tree lighting ceremony and associated activities were also discussed, with suggestions to incorporate an auction as part of a festival of trees at the Red Mill. The council considered hosting the tree lighting on the Friday after Thanksgiving, a timing that has traditionally worked well. They aimed to make the event appealing to families, proposing gingerbread house-making activities to kick off the holiday season. The council noted that the current tree is dead and pledged to secure a new one for the event.