Milton events committee seeks council support to plan an "America 250" community celebration

Megan Sheridan, representing the events committee, told the Milton City Council the group wants council direction to pursue an "America 250" community celebration tied to a June cleanup, a July 4 daytime festival and follow‑up civic activities.

Sheridan said six of the seven committee members are new and the group’s 2026 focus is on expanding participation and “belonging,” working with police, public works, planning and the school district to draw more residents and businesses into events. She outlined a three‑part approach: a community cleanup in June, a July 4 daytime program that would include a kids’ bike parade to the park stage and a reading of the Declaration of Independence, plus a civic tree‑planting and an enduring community art piece such as handprints on a commemorative flag.

Sheridan gave an initial cost estimate—"about $50,000"—if the city produced a stand‑alone America 250 event without major external partnerships, but also told council the city’s events fund is "just under $43,000" and that the committee is pursuing business partners that could lower the city’s need to contribute. She said the committee may be able to do a more modest program if council declines to infuse additional funds.

Council members welcomed the ideas but asked for clearer numbers before any funding decision. Council member Whelan and others requested meeting notes and an itemized, line‑by‑line estimate for Milton Days, the craft bazaar and the tree‑lighting if those elements will be expanded. Sheridan said she would not ask the committee to prepare detailed budgets unless the council indicated it wanted the committee to move forward; instead she asked for a procedural consensus so volunteers and staff could begin outreach to potential partners.

Council member Roberts and others signaled support for exploring the event: Roberts said the celebration “only happens one time,” and several councilors volunteered to help. The council did not approve any additional funding at the session; Sheridan said the committee will continue business outreach and will return with a proposal and more detailed costs if the council gives it permission to proceed.

Sheridan also described interim operational steps the city will use during events—one‑way, nose‑in parking on Oak Street, shared school parking, and dash permits for residents on streets that are temporarily closed—and noted longer‑term plans to increase Oak Street parking and add a sidewalk in a project currently in design.

The committee emphasized it seeks to keep events low impact on through‑traffic, to leverage existing city investments (including the new stage), and to boost local business participation. The council asked staff to provide the committee’s meeting materials and line‑item historical costs so members can make an informed recommendation at a future study session.

No formal motion or budget action was taken; Sheridan said she will bring a proposal back if the council signals general support for pursuing America 250 partnerships and programming.