Danville Recreation Committee approves $8,000 fireworks for 250th/OHD celebration, outlines senior prom budget

The Danville Recreation Committee approved an $8,000 fireworks expenditure for the town's 250th/OHD celebration and discussed plans and a budget cap for a senior prom at its March 2026 meeting.

Tara, a Danville Recreation Committee member, moved to approve the minutes from the prior meeting; Sonia, a committee member, seconded. Joe abstained and the remaining members voted to approve the minutes. The meeting began at 7:05 p.m. and adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Erin, a committee member, moved to authorize $8,000 for fireworks for the 250th/OHD event; Sonia seconded the motion and all present agreed. The committee also discussed exploring a one-day liquor license for the event and identified sponsorship packages at $250, $500 and $1,000 to help offset costs.

Committee members discussed plans for a senior prom with the theme "Peace, Love and Flowers." Members explored hiring a DJ quoted at $800 and considered options to reduce that cost, including changing the event date and seeking contacts. The committee discussed charging $10 per person, using a budget cap of $700 with a $500 target, and having Sonia and Karen handle decorations. Other operational details discussed included crowd control measures and offering polaroid photos as a memento.

The treasurer reported no requested changes to the budget and noted that a recent bake sale raised $135 for Recreation. Members reviewed past events: no D&D or ATV events were held recently and Senior Coffee drew 27 seniors; Vanessa volunteered to update the event sign advertising an Easter Breakfast with Bunny on March 28. A town volunteer, Chuck, will begin running games nights on April 3 at 6 p.m.; the committee discussed separate offerings for families (children 8 and older) and a 45's night for seniors.

Fundraising ideas included a plant sale proposed by Karen, a puzzling event, and possible Lions funding for a replacement snack shack because the current building was described as unsafe. Joe said he had spoken with the town animal control officer about a possible bird event with a local bird sanctuary and will bring further details to a future meeting. The spring art show is planned again this year; a date is to be determined and the past budget was approximately $200.

The meeting concluded with the committee setting priorities for upcoming events and directing members to pursue cost-saving options and sponsorship outreach ahead of the next meeting.