Merrimac committee sets Block Party Food Truck Festival for Sept. 26 at Waterhouse Field

The Merrimac 150th Celebration Committee voted May 27 to hold a Block Party Food Truck Festival on Sept. 26, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Waterhouse Field, with organizers planning at least 15 food trucks, artisans, vendors, a kids zone and a picnic area.

The event planning included volunteer recruitment and logistics. Committee members discussed police detail and use of a speedometer on the field; the minutes record that Rob Gustison was asked to contact "Chief Shears" to arrange police coverage and to work with Larry Fisher on a safety map and a safety meeting. The committee also asked Guilfoil PR to publicize upcoming activities and to follow up with the Santa Committee on a golf-cart vendor. Larry Fisher was asked to confirm whether Mello will donate a dumpster; Michelle Gustison was asked to get pricing for porta-potties.

The committee unanimously approved a separate motion directing Larry Fisher to submit a request to create a CAD file for a granite medallion commemorating Merrimac’s 150th. The motion was moved by Robert L. Gustison II and seconded by Julie Fisher.

Assigned follow-ups include contacting food-truck vendors about children’s activities, producing a site map for emergency and traffic planning, and coordinating publicity and volunteer sign-ups. The committee scheduled its next meeting for June 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the Merrimac Fire Department conference room to review progress.

The committee also approved a donation of a gift basket with a Passport entry to the Old Home Days raffle during the same meeting.