The Kingston 300th Anniversary Committee celebrated a significant financial milestone this week, revealing that the recent anniversary gala generated a $9,000 profit to fuel upcoming town-wide celebrations. The successful event, which drew approximately 215 attendees to celebrate the town’s tercentennial, has provided a stable financial floor as organizers pivot toward a busy spring schedule featuring a multi-venue art show and a historic house tour.

Financial lead Patricia K. Tucker reported the final numbers to the committee, noting the surplus remained even after settling all major expenses. After paying the caterer, photographer, and DJ, we made a profit of $9,000, Tucker said, adding that floral arrangements for the evening were donated. Gala lead Paula Rossi-Clapp described an atmosphere of high energy that exceeded expectations. It was a team effort. Everyone was having fun and dancing, Rossi-Clapp noted. I didn't even do my closing remarks because nobody wanted to hear me talk; they were just having a great time. Committee Chair Paul Gallagher echoed the sentiment, stating he has not heard a bad thing about the event since it concluded.

With the gala in the rearview, the committee turned its focus to the upcoming Art Show scheduled for May 9. Ed, the Art Show Lead, detailed a recalibrated plan that utilizes four distinct locations: Hope Floats, the Beal House, First Parish Church, and the Faunce School. The show will be open to any artist aged 15 or older with a connection to Kingston, though submissions will be limited to one piece per person to ensure diversity. Everything is free for the public except food, beer, and purchasing art, Ed explained, noting that 42nd Parallel will provide beer and live music will be featured on the Hope Floats lawn. The Faunce School will host a dedicated retrospective exhibit. Tom Vendetti, coordinating the retrospective, told the board they are seeking works by notable past Kingston artists such as Marshall Joyce and Lilius Cingolani. We opened it up to people who have a connection to the town or participate in the life of the town, Vendetti said regarding the submission criteria.

The committee also addressed ongoing difficulties with the town’s digital presence. Several members noted that residents have struggled to find event details on the official municipal website. Janna Morrissey offered a technical solution to bridge the gap for the spring events. I can create a specific page for the Art Show with the form and all the info, Morrissey said. To further bolster local awareness, the committee discussed a targeted advertising buy in a local magazine, especially given the current absence of a traditional local newspaper. Motion Made by E. Art Show Lead to spend upwards of $400 to advertise in Kingston Living. Motion Passed (Unanimous). Gallagher noted he would double-check the legalities of using Cultural Council grant money for the expenditure before finalizing the buy.

Logistics are also firming up for the June 21 historic house tour. Madeline, the House Tour Lead, reported that homeowner waivers are being collected and scripts for ticket booklets are under review. The event will require a significant volunteer lift, with Madeline noting, We are going to need about 60 docents for two-hour shifts. Those who volunteer will receive free tickets to view the other homes on the tour, which is being limited to 200 total participants. Additionally, plans for a cleanup of the Bradford House garden are set for March to prepare the grounds for the summer spotlight.

Looking toward the summer, Gallagher informed the committee that he will meet with the Board of Selectmen on February 24 to secure state road permits for the anniversary parade. This coordination is essential for Will, the committee’s marketing and video lead, to finalize his production plan. For the parade, I plan to use a small jib to get the camera above the crowd and four microphones on the ground to pick up the sound of the bands, Will said. Meanwhile, the committee continues to review quotes for a musically-synced fireworks display for Old Home Day, building on a previously approved $35,000 budget for the pyrotechnics. The committee will soon need to seek a new Selectmen liaison, as Don is stepping down from that specific role while remaining on the 300th committee as Vice Chair.