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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-04-18-TCC-min.pdf jifrefr TOWN CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE April 18 197's PRESENT Chm n. Barne• , Mr, Brenchick Mrs. Litchfield; Mrs„ McGonagle, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mrs, Mitchell Parade Staff Messrs. Leahy, Bredcerick, Edgar, Coates, Dailey Viaitorfl Robert T'arlin(Dicentennial) ;, Wm. F. McGonagle CORRESPONDENCE A letter from Dr Roland N`. Gubi.sch, 627 Mass. Ave , , regarding the afternoon parade route, was read. Both TCC and parade staff members present agreed that this route and assembly area should be used in 1975, as planned. Chmn. Barnes will write to Dr. Gubisek. PATRIOTS DAY Bills presently in hand were given to Mr Litchfield for submission for payment by the Town, A review of the afternoon parade wee undertaken by the TCG and parade staff members present. Chief Marshal Leahy noted that both parade organisation by the stafi and cooperation by marching units, especially the Old Guard, had been excellent; progress was quite smooth with a minimum number of gaps, the latter being caused primarily by unforseon situations, nut by lack of planning. Floats entered smoothly into the lino of march; Aides %ssignod as 'float chaperones' are parti— cularly to be recommended. The many preliminary meetings with the TCC helped both is organization of the parade staff and in enabling the Chief Marshal to respond to inquiries made after the roster was ,printed. The Chief Marshal recommended that nese who serve in this position i.n the future plan to he in the assembly area very early, since many units and marchers arrive as much as an hour in advance of the announced assembly time. Chief Marshal's Aide James Broderick submitted copies of his overall comments to the TCC; in addition, he noted that Clan. MacPherson claimed 'music trouble' se that there was a. gap preceding this unit„ Following his presentation, committee and staff briefly discussed possible reasons for consideration of shifting the reviewing stand to another area in 1975. Division Marshal Dailey stressed the fact that parade staff organi— zation was better this year than at any other time within his memory. All staff members agreed that written: job expectations from the TCC, as well as being a part of the planning process, would be most helpful for all parade staff, including es many aides as possible, including those appointed by the individual Division Marshals. Division Marshal Edgar noted that the number of companies of Minute Men who appeared in the assembly area ready to march far exceeded his expectations; these units were placed following those appearing in the rester. from his standpoint, the parade was excellent; his concerns would ednter ,here around the r een;.ctment. It was noted that crowd con— trol measures were very effective, the press was cooperative, but some further discussion of details would be necessary with the Commander of the Tenth Regiment of Font. Division Marshal Coates noted that the size of the Third Divisien assembly area was marginal; if any mere units are included, the area needs to be enlarged I'ar,:ed cars proved a problem and space could be gained 01; togs Town Celebrations Committee April 18, 1974 Page 2 by requiring all vehicles to remain outside the ass ambly areas and, per- haps, having an :i.de assigned to assist with. parking. Division marshals and aides need to be you familiar with their duties the assembly area, the units cxaected, and any , ester changes. All should plan to arrive at least one hour before stated assembly time. Marshal Coates also em,- phasized the advantages to be gained by early appointment of parade staff and inclusion of the stall in all facets of parade planning The Antique Fire Engine seems to be has' ng problems; furthermore fumes are objectionable to the following marchers . After again thanking the parade stain for work e:o;ae and suggestions made the TCC continued to review details of parade effectiveness. Spec- tator comments noted led to a discussion of unit placement and roster makeup, as-well as a reemphasis of the fact that the color of the after- neon parade depended both on Tow funds ava:.lable as well as the degree of participation by Lexington individuals and organizations Favorable mention was made of general r,rafffi.c and crowd control; problems noted included 'bab,ybles all ever' , 'too many dogs' , and some comments regarding cars parked aleng the li : of march. Committee members agreed that the morning parade and ceremonies seemed particularly meaningful; luncheon aa$d receepti©n facilities, fond, and service were most satisfactory, and the presentati©n of aspects of Lexington's history by Mr„ Lawrence Whipple for non-march.nng guests which followed the luncheon was an outstanding addition is the day's events. Mrs. Liechfield will write to the many individuals who helped in preparation, organization, participation and planning of the 1974 celebration of Patriots Day, MEMORIAL DAY Congressman Cronin. hags been _anvited to speak at the traditional ceremonies; no reply has yet been received. Respectfully submitted, Ruth Mitchell Recording Secretary TO• James J Leahy FROM: James W Broderick SUBJECT COMMENT ON PARADE - APRIL 15, 1974 1) Parade Staff and Aides should be at assembly area by at least 12 o'clock This will insure that all participants are briefed as they arrive 2) More emphasis should be placed on having Division Marshals submit up- graded rosters to Chief Marshal by 1.45 3) Enlarged copies of assembly area drawing should be prepared and posted in assembly area They should be code colored to indicate division and unit location if possible 4) In order to cover any large gaps which may occur in the parade, I would suggest the use of filler units These units would be located at strategic points i.e , Marret Road and Mass Avenue, Percy Road, Slocum Road and if found necessary would be inserted to keep continuity in the line of March Older groups or those who could not physically march the entire route would be eligible If no gaps appeared they would be inserted after the 3rd Division 5) The question of the location of the reviewing stand was suggested by several at the reception The thought being to place it back on the battle green This has some merit as I feel the parade tends to fizzle out after it leaves the reviewing stand in its present location