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Middlebury250 outlines July 2–4 concert and Let Freedom Ring bell ceremony plans
Summary
The committee announced a July 2 patriotic concert funded in part by a $5,000 sponsorship and detailed a July 4 ceremony starting at 1:30 p.m. so the town can participate in the 2 p.m. nationwide "Let Freedom Ring" bell-ringing.
At its Feb. 24 meeting, the Middlebury250 Committee advanced plans for July 2–4 observances, reporting a Parks & Recreation patriotic concert on July 2 and specific logistics for the town's July 4 ceremony.
First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr said Parks & Recreation plans a concert on Thursday, July 2, as part of the Summer Concert Series and that she secured $5,000 in sponsorship funds that allowed the addition of another concert tied to the July 4th celebrations. Committee members discussed food-service options for attendees, including boxed dinners, food trucks and a picnic format.
The committee also mapped the July 4 ceremony to conclude at 2 p.m. to coincide with the nationwide "Let Freedom Ring" bell‑ringing (13 bells for the original colonies plus one for the future). LeAnn Cassidy will revise the ceremony script to include a reading of the Declaration of Independence and will explore hiring a bagpiper. Mahr said she will contact the MVFD Color Guard about participating and veterans will be invited. Rev. Katrina Manzi noted a rain contingency option—borrowing a tent from the fire department—and Dr. Michael Simms offered the Historical Society's portable microphone system if needed.
No contracts, vendor commitments for food service, or final staffing assignments were recorded in the meeting minutes; committee members assigned the follow-up tasks and will report back at future meetings.
