Chamber and town leaders weigh partnerships to grow Memorial Day parade and revenue

The board and the Chamber of Commerce discussed plans to expand Fair Haven’s Memorial Day weekend offerings and to make the parade and park event more financially sustainable. The chamber president (speaker 1) said the chamber currently nets little from the event — about $200 last year — and proposed revenue sharing with a partner organization so proceeds could seed a multi‑year reserve for larger attractions. "If you get a big event, you're gonna draw more people in and that would be the renting the booths in the park, more of a value boost," the chamber president said.

Board members suggested recruiting groups such as the Shriners or Knights of Columbus to increase draw, and discussed charging vendors a modest fee (board members suggested a range roughly $30–$100) while returning a portion (20–50%) to a reserve for future expenses. Economic Development Chair (speaker 8) recommended extending vendor hours (for example 10 a.m.–4 p.m.) to better support local businesses and fundraising. The board directed staff to schedule follow‑up conversations among the chamber, economic development and parks representatives to outline next steps and responsibilities.