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Select Board approves $8,000 TIFF grant for 'Bring Your Lawn Chairs' event
Summary
The board granted Envision Berwick $8,000 from the TIFF account to support the town’s August 'Bring Your Lawn Chairs to Sullivan Square' event, covering staging, sound, bands, porta‑potties and safety needs; the board cited economic benefits to local businesses.
The Berwick Select Board voted May 11 to grant Envision Berwick $8,000 from the town’s TIFF account to support the sixth annual 'Bring Your Lawn Chairs to Sullivan Square' festival on Aug. 1.
Holly Dupi, chair of Envision Berwick, described the event as a community tradition that draws thousands of visitors to town, benefits local merchants and helps attract new businesses. She requested additional funding to hire police and public‑works support for safety, pay staging and sound vendors, cover band fees, rent portable toilets and related production costs.
Town staff confirmed the TIFF account balance exceeds $200,000 and said TIFF funds may be used for events that promote economic development. The board moved and approved the $8,000 allocation specifically for the Lawnchairs event; staff noted that TIFF support would fund event costs and free other fundraising to go toward longer‑term projects.
Why it matters: the event is a notable economic driver for downtown businesses and the additional funding aims to ensure safety and production quality during a day that attracts regional visitors.
What’s next: Envision Berwick will use TIFF funds for event production and continue private sponsorship outreach; the board will receive follow-up reporting on expenditures and event outcomes.
