06/16/2026
FIRST SELECTMAN'S JUNE MESSAGE
Summer Solstice – It’s Finally Here
As if winter wasn’t long enough, May seemed to bring constant rain and cold temperatures. I thought the tough winter weather calls were behind us, then Memorial Day threw us a curve. So let me start this month’s newsletter with a sincere apology to our veterans and our community for the need to cancel our Memorial Day events. It was a difficult call. But in true Brooklyn fashion, people are stepping up. Our Memorial Day Committee is now combining its efforts with the America 250 committee to create a special event for our veterans and community on July 4th.
In partnership with the Windham County Agricultural Society, on July 4th the America 250 and Memorial Day Committees will be hosting a morning-long celebration at the fairgrounds. The festivities will include historical readings, a parade along the fairground avenues and family-oriented activities throughout the morning. The entire event will run from 9am - 1pm. Anyone wishing to participate in the fairground parade should enter the west side entrance on Fairgrounds Road between 8am-9am to prepare their float. To learn more contact Amy Brosnan at 860-779-3411 ext. 144.
We will begin the morning events at 9am with ceremonies to honor our veterans on the south side of the fairgrounds at the Pole Barn. There will be a reading of the Gettysburg Address and the Declaration of Independence, and a sing along of patriotic songs. A parade of floats, fire trucks, youth organizations, and other participants will immediately begin after the ceremonies along the fairground avenues. At the conclusion of the parade there will numerous festivities for families to enjoy throughout the morning. Events include a hot dog eating contest, a cake walk, carnival games, a dunk tank (come dunk the First Selectman!) hobby horse races, a 1776 senior social and historical trolley rides through the community. It promises to be a fun-filled morning for the entire family.
We are encouraging everyone to arrive early, park on the west side of the fairgrounds (like you do for Fear Grounds) and pick your spot along the parade route at the fairgrounds. We are also encouraging all kids who wish to participate, to decorate their bikes in red, white and blue and join the parade.
We have come through a long winter (and cold, wet spring). We have worked hard as a community to have difficult conversations regarding public safety, budgets, and long-term community health. The same conversations our community has had since the founding of Mortlake, more than 250 years ago. Now it’s time to celebrate what our ancestors, our veterans and our volunteers have worked so hard to achieve; a community worth celebrating.
With continued appreciation for all those who make our community so vibrant. I look forward to celebrating with each of you this Fourth of July. - Joe
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