Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lake Park Commission approves walk-through Christmas parade at Ted Williams Park
Summary
The Town of Lakeville Lake Park Commission approved a walk-through Christmas parade and related activities at Ted Williams Park on Dec. 13 after organizers scaled the event to avoid a Main Street police detail and associated costs.
Susan Staylor, a resident and event organizer, told the Lake Park Commission on Aug. 14 that she and Michelle McEachern planned to expand last year’s snowman/snow person fundraiser into a Christmas parade. Staylor said she had discussed a street parade with the fire chief and police but that the Select Board rejected a proposed Precinct Street route and favored Main Street, which would have required a police detail she estimated could cost “upwards of $3,000.”
Staylor said organizers instead proposed a walk-through parade inside Ted Williams Park on Dec. 13, open from 12 to 2 p.m., with decorated cars, trucks or flatbeds, treat stations, a Lions Club s’more station and a final appearance by the fire truck with Santa. She said participants would register in advance and volunteers would staff the route and prize table.
The commission discussed volunteer recruitment and publicity plans and suggested outreach to high school students seeking community service hours. Peter, a commission member, and Melissa, a commission member, confirmed the commission had flyers available and could participate at a table. Staylor said event organizers would coordinate with the fire chief and town staff on details.
Commission member (name not specified) moved to approve the event; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The commission did not authorize road closures or a Main Street route; the approved plan is the walk-through format at Ted Williams Park as described to the commission.
Why it matters: Organizers abandoned a street parade because of the projected cost of police details and instead moved the event to a town park, which keeps the event local and reduces staffing costs while still providing a community holiday activity. The commission’s vote signals formal support for use of park space and volunteer-run logistics.
What happens next: Organizers said they will continue coordinating with the fire chief, Melissa and town staff and will distribute flyers at the Arts Council festival. The commission did not set a budget for the event at the meeting and said organizers should confirm volunteer staffing and any town permits or insurance requirements in follow-up communications.
