Committee confirms gazebo reading, bell ringing and sets concession budget for July events

The Monroe CT 250 committee confirmed plans for a gazebo reading and related July events on June 18, including a backup chambers booking for rain, a bell-ringing schedule for July 8 and a concessions budget of up to $500 for popcorn and lemonade.

The chair said the gazebo reading is scheduled for July 8 at 6 p.m. with the chambers reserved as a backup in case of rain, and said she had located singers and would confirm the lineup. Members discussed inviting the first selectman and other local officials and confirmed there will be a microphone and staging area for readers.

On concessions, a committee member proposed contracting a vendor to provide popcorn and lemonade to accommodate an expected crowd; members discussed prior attendance (the proclamation drew roughly 50–55 people) and settled on ordering enough for 75–100 servings and spending up to $500 depending on the vendor’s minimums. One member said, “I could ask him 75 or a 100 and see what the cost is,” and the committee agreed to negotiate price and portion sizes before finalizing the order.

The group also discussed a commemorative brick project the football field fundraiser is running and considered allocating a modest leftover amount — typically $100–150 — for a commemorative brick to mark the date.

Bell ringing and volunteers: the committee confirmed the bell-ringing on July 8 at 6:30 a.m. and noted that churches had been contacted. Members assigned readers for the gazebo event, discussed red-white-and-blue attire and agreed the chair will circulate parts and a lineup in the coming week.

Next steps: the chair will confirm singers and elected-official invitations, call vendors about concessions pricing and circulate final logistics and assignments via email.