The Town of Rising Sun held a meeting on December 12, 2023, where community achievements and ongoing concerns were discussed. The meeting began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the successful Winter Extravaganza and the accompanying Christmas parade float. Town officials expressed gratitude to key contributors, including Josh, Grant, Billy, Chris, Judy, Juanita, and Gary, as well as the office staff, public works crew, and the Rising Sun Police Department. The Winter Extravaganza was noted as the largest event yet, attracting thousands of attendees, and plans for an even bigger event next year were hinted at.

In addition to celebrating community events, officials reminded residents to remain vigilant during the holiday shopping season, particularly regarding traffic and safety concerns on Main Street.

The meeting also included updates from the planning commission, which recently toured various developments to assess best practices in housing layouts and parking. They are working on amendments to the zoning code to improve the development review process.

Commissioner Klein echoed the appreciation for the Winter Extravaganza, highlighting the community spirit and excitement it generated. Commissioner Pearson shared observations from outside the town, noting the impressive turnout at the tractor parade, which surprised visitors unfamiliar with Rising Sun's population.

Lastly, concerns regarding persistent odors from West Coast Mushrooms were raised. Commissioner Pearson reported that he has reached out to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to address the issue and plans to involve West Coast Mushrooms in discussions to find a solution.

The meeting concluded with a sense of community pride and a commitment to addressing ongoing challenges while celebrating local successes.