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Sanford council approves Founders Day and May car shows, allows metal-detecting at Porte Park
Summary
The Village of Sanford council approved two community car shows — Founders Day on Sept. 12 and a May 30 event — and granted permission for two residents to use metal detectors in Porte Park, with any historical finds to be donated to the Sanford Historical Society.
The Village of Sanford council voted March 9 to approve two community car shows and to permit the use of metal detectors at Porte Park.
Resident Ben Swinson asked the council to approve the Founders Day Car Show scheduled for Sept. 12 and a separate show on May 30. Marcus Thrush moved to approve both events; Don Whaley seconded, and the motion passed with all members present voting in favor.
Later in the public-comment portion of the meeting, resident Roy Clifton asked for permission for himself and his brother-in-law to use metal detectors in Porte Park and said any historically significant items they find would be donated to the Sanford Historical Society. Marcus Thrush moved to permit their activity; Leah Ziems seconded and the council approved the request.
Why it matters: the council’s approvals clear the way for two seasonal community events that will use public space and require coordination with village services. The metal-detecting permission sets a local precedent for community-led searches tied to historical preservation and requires coordination with the Sanford Historical Society to accept and preserve finds.
What council members said: The minutes record motions by Marcus Thrush with seconding by Leah Ziems or Don Whaley for the actions above; the votes were recorded as unanimous among council members present.
Next steps: Event organizers should coordinate logistics — permits, fees and any site preparations — with village staff. The permission for metal detectors is limited to the two named individuals as recorded and includes the expectation that any historically significant items will be donated to the Sanford Historical Society.
Sources and provenance: Actions and public comments are recorded in the Village of Sanford regular meeting minutes for March 9, 2026 (see transcript entries for public comment and motions).
