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Merrimac 150th committee sets events, fundraising plans and time capsule preparations
Summary
The Merrimac 150th Celebration Committee approved minutes, outlined events from January through October 2026, and assigned members to lead fundraising and time capsule tasks; the Light Department will sell $5 calendars as a fundraiser and committee discussed commemorative coins and merchandise.
The Merrimac 150th Celebration Committee met Jan. 22, 2026, approved the Dec. 18, 2025 minutes and set a calendar of events and fundraising tasks to mark the town's 150th anniversary.
Committee members agreed on a schedule of public events that includes a library installation in January, a Rock-and-Roll Prom with a silent auction and a Time Capsule ceremony in April, a food-truck party in May, a carnival in June, a block party in the Squircle in September or October, and an October–November scavenger hunt. Members also discussed ongoing youth engagement through an essay contest and curriculum at the local school or library.
The committee noted several fundraising ideas. The Light Department will sell calendars for $5 as a fundraiser for the 150th Committee. Members also listed potential restaurant fundraisers (Little Caesars, Flatbread, Osaka, MHOP), commemorative coins, and merchandise including t-shirts and sweatshirts. The Garden Club offered to assist a property owner with plantings to support the silent auction.
The meeting recorded a set of action assignments: Committee member Robert L. Gustison II will ask Dr. B about photos for the time capsule, email the Town Administrator for a picture of town boards for the capsule and ask the Town Clerk if they would like to speak at the ceremony, and follow up with Seth Moulton about possible contributions. Gretchen Fuhr will update sponsorship listings to add individual contributors and explore digitizing a 1976 photo. Lauren Santagate will confirm the April event date with The New Old Oak, review potential silent-auction items and reach out to Osaka and Little Caesars about fundraising. Larry Fisher will contact Fiesta Shows about a carnival feasibility, check Waterhouse Field for a May food-truck event and invite Bob Eastman to speak at the time capsule and to participate in a photo with Merrimac's first 2026 baby. Michelle Gustison will follow up with Donahue and the high school about school involvement and solicit public ideas for the time capsule.
Procedural actions were recorded: a motion to approve the Dec. 18, 2025 minutes, moved by Robert L. Gustison II and seconded by Lauren Santagate, passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned after a motion by Gustison II, seconded by Santagate, which was also approved unanimously.
The committee set its next meeting for Feb. 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Merrimac Police Department Conference Room. Members will report back with firm dates, fundraising details and any merchandise or coin designs for committee approval.
