Committee previews fall events and marketing: 'Bard at Bristow' set for Oct. 5; cultural guide distributed

The Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Committee discussed fall programming and marketing, including a planned Shakespeare vignette event at Bristow Bird Sanctuary on Oct. 5 and distribution of the town’s cultural guide. Committee members said the summer-theater group will seek Board of Selectmen approval to close Bristow Bird Sanctuary from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 5 for an event organizers are calling “the Bard at Bristow.” Committee staff confirmed the cultural guide has been printed and that rack and digital copies have been distributed; members agreed to add the guide link to organizational websites. The committee also discussed a proposed influencer-marketing program under review, with staff saying they have a long list of potential influencers analyzed for engagement and that the initiative could be enacted in the fourth quarter with a spread of activations around holiday stroll and other seasonal events. Members emphasized partnerships with local organizations to boost publicity: John Kriz (name referenced by staff) is preparing a Sentinel article, the chamber is running banner ads, and event organizers are coordinating with Parks & Rec. The committee asked staff to keep the group apprised as influencers are selected and when campaign timing is finalized. No formal approvals for funding or campaign contracts were taken; members treated the exchange as program updates and asked staff to return with specifics once influencer selection and campaign timing are decided.