Killingworth's Parmelee Farm Committee Elects New Chair, Approves Spending For Fall Events

KILLINGWORTH, CT — The Parmelee Farm Committee elected Peg Scofield as its new chairwoman and approved up to $2,000 in spending for pumpkins and audio equipment during its Oct. 1 meeting.

The committee also reviewed finances from its annual Artisan Market and began planning its October pumpkin-carving event and December holiday celebration.

Scofield succeeds Richard Pleines, whom committee members thanked for his service as chairman. Eileen Blewett was elected vice chairwoman.

Both elections were approved unanimously.

Artisan Market Generates Approximately $2,900 Before Other Costs

Committee member Karen Milano reported that the Artisan Market had been successful despite attracting a smaller crowd than in previous years.

Vendor fees generated an estimated $7,100, while event expenses totaled approximately $4,200, leaving a difference of about $2,900.

The figures were estimates discussed at the meeting, not a finalized financial report.

Milano said organizers were considering holding the market again next year, provided the town approves the necessary expenses.

She and committee member Linda Dudak want to increase the marketing budget after concluding that insufficient funds were available to promote this year's event.

Vendor fees would remain unchanged, and organizers discussed attracting more vendors selling fresh vegetables.

Guest Greg Wind reported that approximately 15 Lions Club members volunteered to help with parking. He recommended additional exit signs and more drinking water for volunteers.

The committee also discussed improving first-aid access and removing or covering an AED label on a box that no longer contains a defibrillator.

Pumpkin-Carving Event Scheduled For Oct. 24

The committee unanimously approved spending up to $1,500 to purchase pumpkins for its annual carving event, scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Parmelee Farm.

The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 25.

Pleines reported receiving a quote of $1,320 for 240 pumpkins, an increase over last year's supply.

The event will include treats donated by the Lions Club, music and a family photo area. Organizers are also considering recruiting high school students to volunteer.

Committee member Ken Wodatch said the farmhouse would be open during the event.

The pumpkin purchase was approved unanimously on a motion by Tim Gannon, seconded by Blewett.

Audio Equipment Purchase Approved

The committee also unanimously approved spending up to $500 for a portable speaker system with wireless microphones.

Gannon proposed the purchase, with Brian Dombroski seconding.

Gannon said he would present information about the equipment to the Board of Selectmen at its Oct. 13 meeting.

Christmas At The Farm Set For Dec. 5

Committee members began planning Christmas at the Farm, scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 5.

The committee discussed a $2,000 event budget and a possible $1,000 expense to install lights on the Christmas tree.

No spending authorization for those items was recorded.

Members plan to contact community groups about participating, arrange musical performances and explore holding a toy collection in conjunction with the event.

Santa's appearance has been arranged, and organizers are considering moving the letters-to-Santa table to the pavilion.

Hot chocolate will be provided, with other refreshments and activities to be finalized at the next meeting.

Other Committee Business

Scofield said an updated financial report was not available and proposed creating a shared document to track the committee's itemized spending.

Members also discussed increasing the signage budget for fiscal 2027-28.

Pleines reported that sinkhole areas at the farm had been repaired.

The committee approved its September meeting minutes without changes.