Council proclaims June 26 'The Longest Day' and recognizes local Alzheimer's fundraiser

The Town Council on May 22 unanimously adopted a proclamation designating June 26, 2025, as "The Longest Day" in Merrimack and publicly recognized the tenth annual hot‑dog fundraiser organized to support the Alzheimer's Association. Organizer Bob Bergen provided event details and outreach: he said the main tent will operate from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a Rotary Club grilling component from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bergen reported the event has raised $78,000 to date this year and said he hopes to exceed $100,000 by year’s end. "If all goes well, Paul, we will cross a $100,000 at the end of this year," Bergen said. Bergen described donated food and volunteer logistics, thanked municipal staff and volunteers, and said the event supplies community services for families affected by Alzheimer’s, including volunteer assistance and referral support. Council members commended the work and approved the proclamation 6–0. Bergen told the council he is searching for successors to maintain the event in future years as volunteer participation has declined; he said it may be his last year if no replacement leaders step forward.