Douglas 250th Anniversary Committee Eyes June 27 for Parade and Community Celebration

DOUGLAS -- January 8, 2026, Douglas volunteers planning the town's 250th anniversary celebration leaned toward a June 27 date at a January 8 committee meeting, stepping back from the original July 4 target after members raised concerns about vacation conflicts, food truck availability, and whether town employees could legally staff a federal holiday. The informal committee, which has not yet been formally appointed by the Board of Selectmen, reported a $1,000 cultural council grant as its primary secured funding, supplemented by a few hundred dollars from commemorative pen sales. Members mapped a preliminary parade route from West Street through downtown to Soldiers Field and identified Gilbo Street and the Route 16 corridor as better locations for veteran banner installations than the wire-choked downtown Main Street core. The committee plans to appear before the Board of Selectmen on January 20 to seek formal appointments and present its event concept, with a follow-up planning session set for January 22.