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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-05-01-joint-TCC-Lexington Bicentennial Committee-min.pdf Notes from the LBC—TCC Joint Meeting of May 1, 1975 This meeting was meant to pinpoint problem areas and to suggest alternate arrangements which might be useful in future years; it was not a full or detailed review of the many successes of the Bicentennial weekend. Only events which are a traditional TCC responsibility are recorded in these notes; comments regarding such events as the Bicentennial Ball, Rededication Ceremony, and special concerts and receptions are not included. REENACTMENT Mr. Tarlin noted difficulty with arrangements made for the press, most of which would have been much more satisfactory had he been with this group personally rather than being necessarily occupied with some of the Town's distinguished guests until the reenactment was ready to start. Guest arrangements were possibly not as gracious as would have been desired; if future crowds are as large, and if there are guests of the Town in later years, they may wishto observe from a building adjacent to the Common. Some present questioned certain actions taken by a few of the "British" troops; should invitations to participate be extended to the same groups or others in future years? YOUTH ;ARADE Spectators who remained at the Green felt that the time period between the Reenactment and the morning ceremonies was extensively long; it was noted that groups which participated in both events were pressed for time; in fact, about half of the Minute Men could not get to Adams School in time to march. Most of the beginning egrade route had very few spectators, in contrast to previous years. YeUTll CEREMONIES PA facilities were not working properly, although this was corrected by the time of the Sunday events. Crowds pressed in on the participants, especially following the early departure of the Minute Men. Some arrangements for roping would seem necessary. All agreed that a bigger and higher speaker's stand was needed. AFTERNOON PARADE All agreed that the Minute Men should have been a part of the parade proper; Chief Marshal Broderick noted that they had been well aware of parade orders and planned stops and that the gap which occurred following their march could have been much less. Other parade gaps were kept to a minimum with the excellent help given by parade staff, monitors, and use of communications equipment. The assembly area was full. The Chief Marshal noted that earlier and fuller discussions with Concord would be most helpful Better arrangements for wheelchairs need to be made; folding chairs in the area reserved for Senior Citizens are necessary for those unable to climb Into the bleachers. Guest arrangements were less than the TCC would have wished; partially because there was no Lexington luncheon Problems with reviewing stand seating, clean up, and admission were discussed; the Presidential visit undoubtedly influenced arrangements, however, and a return to normal scheduling should minimize future problems. A parade route clear of automobiles was excellent and this precedent should be followed. The ,Marrett Road area, however, was still quite empty of seectators Chief Marshal Broderick noted that our local veteran's organization members served as parade staff; there was no veteran's unit in the parade. Mr Gaughan recommended that a return to the Massachusetts Avenue tee parade route and East Lexington assembly be undertaken POST PARADE RECEPTION No unfavorable comments made YOUTH EVENTS, ROAD (RACE, ETC Attendance not as high as had been hoped, q0 whether due to a lack of publicity or a general let-down is undetermined. * 1976 Patriot's Day will be observed on Monday; such events should be held nn $h© fig+..arrin Ar hn$n +a i.ha hnlitna