Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Canaan Events Committee reviews finances, locks in WinterFest date and urges volunteer sign-ups
Summary
At its July 28, 2025, quarterly meeting, the North Canaan Events Committee reviewed a treasurer’s report showing roughly $40,000 in the account, debriefed recent events, set WinterFest for Nov. 30 and stressed earlier volunteer outreach and use of SignUpGenius to avoid future cancellations.
The North Canaan Events Committee met at Town Hall on July 28, 2025, and reviewed finances, recent event outcomes and plans for winter programming. Chairperson Jenn Crane called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
The treasurer reported a bank balance of $39,997.15 (minutes record this amount “as of September 30, 2025”) and provided a brief itemized list of recent event expenses and revenues, including Carnival/Fireworks costs listed at $23,549.35 with carnival proceeds of $13,735, and PumpkinFest expenses of $1,746.25 with $25 in vendor fees. The minutes also record $11,500 raised from the committee’s annual appeal (109 letters sent; 19 donations received, about a 6% return rate).
Committee members reviewed Old Business outcomes: Railroad Days in August was described as well received, with museums reporting record attendance and donations; members suggested adding more Sunday and Saturday-afternoon activities to counter a late-weekend drop in attendance. Night Markets ran in August and September but lost foot traffic after the brewery that had been an anchor left town; October’s market was canceled. Conquer the Valley, the second race in the series scheduled for October, drew only five runners on the day it competed with several other events. PumpkinFest was canceled because of a lack of volunteers, and the minutes note that the cancellation required a lengthy process to issue refunds.
On new business the committee set WinterFest for Nov. 30. Members agreed to order A-frame signs, aim to break even on advertising and Santa costs, and operate a swag booth to sell remaining merchandise. The committee also identified a Santa Chase scheduled for Dec. 13, a business window-decorating contest, and the letters-to-Santa program; Jesse Lawrence was named in the minutes as the person who will handle the letters.
The committee set 2026 quarterly meeting dates for Jan. 26, April 27, July 27 and Oct. 26, all at 7 p.m., and noted that contracts have been signed for the 2026 Carnival and Fireworks. Further discussion of those contracts was scheduled for a Round Table on Jan. 13, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Depot’s Community Music Room.
Members emphasized volunteer recruitment as a priority after this year’s cancellations. The committee agreed to publicize event dates earlier and to use the SignUpGenius app to track needed volunteers and reduce the risk of future cancellations.
In closing public comment, Kathy K suggested placing QR codes around town to collect donations during the fireworks event and noted that the George Washington Ball will return to the theater on Feb. 21, 2026, as part of the 250th-anniversary activities. Thom Wilson of Whistle Pig Books discussed upcoming events at the bookstore. Paul R, recorded in the minutes as representing the Accordion Connection, asked for more directional signage and proposed creating an "Information Hub" to route visitors through town rather than around it. Bunny McGuire suggested advertising on Patch.
The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m. after a motion by Paul (listed in attendance as Paul Ramunni) and a second from Marcia Ramunni. The committee’s next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
The minutes were signed and submitted by Jenn Crane, Chairperson.
