The state is climbing on Plymouth’s 400th celebration bandwagon.
Included in the $32.45 billion budget passed by the state Senate Friday is $250,000 for the Plymouth 400 Committee, to support the town’s 400th anniversary in 2020. As part of the budget, the committee must match the ticket from private funding, according to a press release from Senate President Therese Murray’s office.
“Plymouth’s 400th anniversary in 2020 will be here sooner than we think and it’s important that we start preparing for it now,” the Plymouth Democrat said in the release. “We have incredibly dedicated people in Plymouth who are working diligently to create memorable and fitting anniversary celebrations. This is an opportunity to showcase what we have to offer in Plymouth to the rest of the state and the world and I hope that we can all lend our support to the Committee.”
The funding is supported by Plymouth’s delegation in the House of Representatives as well.
Rep. Vinny deMacedo, R-Plymouth, said the delegation had hoped to secure funding for the event earlier.
“However, due to the challenging fiscal constraints at the state level, this was the soonest we could help with the seed money to get this celebration off the ground. It is imperative that we, as America’s hometown, put on a world-class celebration that the Town of Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Nation can be proud of.”
Rep. Tom Calter, D-Kingston said the funding will help mitigate the cost associated with planning the vent and “Plymouth’s 400th celebration will be a great boost for area communities and is expected to be enjoyed not only by Plymouth residents, but also by residents throughout the Commonwealth, nation and even other countries.”
The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Plymouth County Development Council have supported state and federal funding for the celebration and related costs.
“The Plymouth 400th Anniversary Committee is extremely pleased to hear about this state funding award and would like to thank our local delegation for their continued support of this effort,” Denis Hanks, the executive director of the chamber and member of the Plymouth 400 Committee said. “This is the most significant investment in the 2020 planning to date and this funding will serve as a solid foundation as we build the core signature events and marketing structure needed to launch this internationally recognized commemoration.”
In March, the Plymouth County Development Council Convention and Visitors Bureau received $10,000 from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism for Plymouth’s 400th anniversary to support website enhancements and optimization, public relations efforts, print materials and video production work.
The budget will now move to a conference committee with the House to produce a final budget that will go to Governor Deval Patrick for his consideration. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
By Casey Meserve
May 29, 2012
