Brewster Chamber processes one Independence Day, plans the next

BREWSTER—A post-event analysis of the U.S. Independence Day festivities just passed, and plans for the upcoming Dia de la Independencia de Mexico (Mexican Independence Day) on Sept. 16 were among issues on the agenda of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday, July 10.

The chamber approved a $3,000 budget to cover entertainment and operations costs for the September celebration.

Boys and Girls Club Director Elizabeth Shepard said event feedback was largely favorable. The Friends of the Library cleared about $80 from its book sale. The Color Run attracted 23 entries.

Specific issues were identified where more attention to detail is recommended. They include:

• Set out ‘No Parking’ signs in the Columbia Cove lot the night before the parade. 

‣ Fishermen towing boats and trailers were already lined up at the boat launch on parade morning. 

• How and where to perform the National Anthem so it can be heard by parade spectators.

‣ The chamber has a PA system.

• Revisit vendor numbers and types to provide more food selections.

‣ Explore more food varieties and more sellers.

• Separate food and merchandise vendors along the Cove Park driveway.

‣Food vendors using portable generators pose noise and exhaust issues for non-food vendors. Position vendors against the north side fence and non-food vendors on the south side grass. 

• Add a second oversight person so there is one for the parade and one for the vendors.

‣ One person in charge cannot cover both vendors and the parade. 

• Provide a notice to parade entries to avoid parking in front of the fire station during the morning lineup.

‣ An emergency call-out during the parade lineup needs to have clear and immediate street access.

In other business, Chamber Director Alexis Camacho was appointed to update and maintain the chamber website.

Chamber treasurer Maribel Saucedo said the chamber has a projector and large screen and suggested a movie night similar to the monthly summer movie Pateros holds with its city library. Shepard said she would verify if the Brewster Library has the requisite license to do so.

“You need a license to legally show a movie outside of your house,” Shepard said.

The chamber's next project for the first day of school on August 28 is backpacks of school supplies for the 436 enrolled students in Brewster’s Pre-K through fifth grade. The distribution is scheduled for school night from 4-6 p.m. on August 26.

Chamber Director Anna Marie Dalbey is putting together a celebration of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos) for Nov. 2, which will include a T-shirt design contest, a night parade, a taco feed, and more.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media