Milan approves parade date, agrees to keep patriotic tunnel lights up through November for 250th activities

The Milan Town Council granted permission for an opening day parade on April 25 and approved a request to keep a decorative 'tunnel' of patriotic lights in place through November as part of America’s 250th observances.

Parade organizers asked the board to approve an April 25 start time, combining softball and other local groups; the council discussed short street closures on Mil Street/Main to allow the parade to pass and asked organizers to coordinate notices to businesses and post information on social media and community signs. Organizers agreed to coordinate with the park board and to attend the park meeting noted by staff.

A resident and event organizer asked that the tunnel of lights used in the Christmas walk be left up, re-strung in red, white and blue for the 250th and remain through the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The organizer said the group would cover the cost of re-lighting and requested permission to keep the structure in place if it does not impede emergency access. "I'm here to request approval from the board ... I'm requesting that we leave it up until November," the organizer said.

Council members voiced support for the proposal, noting the fire department had access during past parades, and one member moved to approve leaving the decorations in place so long as safety checks are satisfied. The council also announced a public planning meeting for July 4/250th activities at 5:30 p.m. on March 3 at the fire department; organizers encouraged broader volunteer participation.

Separately, board members noted two shelter-house flood/security lights are currently always on; staff said they would investigate options such as a motion detector to reduce run time and energy costs.