HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-26-TOUR2-min
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Tourism Committee
Draft Minutes
September 26, 2023
The Tourism Committee was called to order by Carol Ward, Temporary Chair, at 3:30 PM by
Zoom.
A quorum was present.
Members present: Marsha Baker, Kerry Brandin, Margaret Coppe, Bebe Fallick, Elsie Xu, Gardy
Desrouleaux.
Member absent: Melissa Robbins
Center Committee Liaison absent: Fred Johnson
Economic Development Coordinator present: Lorraine Welsh
Economic Development Director present: Sandhya Iyer
Visitor Center Manager absent: Ariel Chin
1) Economic Development Report
a) Operations data
i) VC People Counter-Summer 2023
ii) VC Sales-Summer 2023
iii) Battle Green Tours sales-Summer 2023
iv) Liberty Ride Trolley sales-Summer 2023
v) Fall initiatives plans
Due to ongoing construction around the Green and the Visitor Center, revenues were
down as were the number of visitors (8,000). Buses cancelled stops in Lexington.
This should change in 2024 when construction is completed.
2) Lex250 Updates
The towns of Lexington, Arlington, Lincoln, and Concord have met to coordinate events
of April 2025. Suzie Barry, Lexington Select Board, is the Lexington coordinator. The
Mass Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is holding a joint meeting of the towns on
October 20, 2023, 9-11 Location TBD.
Concord has announced a decision to hold its Patriots Day parade on Saturday, April 19,
2025. Lexington is expected to follow suit.
3) New Committee Chair
A motion was made and seconded to appoint Margaret Coppe chair for 2023-2024.
Voice vote: Ward, Aye; Baker, Aye; Brandin, Aye; Coppe, Aye; Fallick, Aye;Xu, Aye;
Desrouleaux, Aye. The vote was unanimous.
Discussion about taking minutes followed. Coppe volunteered to take them for today’s
meeting. Responsibility may rotate in the future.
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4) Updates and Miscellaneous
Carol Ward reported that Buckman Tavern has a new ____________, the planned
museum exhibitions are on track for 2024, and work supported by CPC funds has begun
on the Hancock Clarke Barn. Marsha Baker reported on Lexington Historical Society
planned events: Spirits of Lexington, Ghosts and Graves, Murder Mystery Fundraiser,
and lecture “Deliver Us From Evil.”
Lafayette Reenactment will be on September 2, 2024.
Gardie Desrouleaux reported that Revolution Hall is holding Oktoberfest on September
30. He has also opened new restaurants around Boston and is planning to open a
restaurant at 440 Bedford St.
Elsie Xu reported that CAAL continues to work with the Lexington Lyceum Advocates
on programming for the Stone Building when it is restored.
Sandhya Iyer reported that the Lexington Economic Development in coordination with
local groups has scheduled Pumpkin Fest, Porch Fest, and Art Walk.
Bebe Fallick reported that the Lexington 250 Committee is working with a group to
design and install a monument to the 250 Celebration at the foot of Belfry Hill.
5) Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:40 PM. The vote was unanimous.
Ward, Aye; Baker, Aye; Brandin, Aye; Coppe, Aye; Fallick, Aye;Xu, Aye;
Desrouleaux, Aye.
The next meeting of the Tourism Committee will be
Tuesday
October 24, 2023
3:30-5:00 PM
By Zoom