DERBY — The chairwoman of the Derby Cultural Commission is recruiting residents to join the group and help plan city-wide events.
“We’re fun and easy to work with,” said chairwoman Susan Schroeder. “Residents have the grand opportunity to be part of a team for camaraderie, creating history and great memories by being a member of the Cultural Commission.”
Currently, the commission is comprised of just Shroeder and her son, Ian. There were four other members who previously served, but Shroeder said they have since had to step aside due to other commitments. Schroeder said there’s a core group of volunteers that’s she been fortunate to rely and call upon when needed. But the end goal is to recruit more members, and ultimately get the seven-member commission up to full speed once again.
Schroeder said she has a couple names of people interested in joining, which are awaiting approval from the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen.
With a skeleton crew over the last two years, Schroeder said Derby students have stepped up to help the commission host its annual Easter Egg hunt on the Derby Green. She said the small group of volunteers have assisted with city flag-raising events, Derby Day and various holiday events.
“If you are a resident, being on the Cultural Commission will definitely give you the ability of being creative and also having a positive impact on your town,” Schroeder said. “It’s a great feeling of well-being and terrific way to meet your neighbors.”
Schroeder said members interested in serving on the commission are asked to contact Fran Pepe in the Mayor’s office at (203) 736‑1450 or Schroeder at suelschroeder@gmail.com. She said appointments are for three years, and basic requirements include attending monthly meetings and volunteering for various commission-sponsored events or long-term projects.
In addition to helping organize Derby Day, holiday events and the annual summer concert series, some of the commission’s past projects include Neighborhood Welcome Basket, Student Cultural Scholarship Awards; Derby student music & art promotion; Derby tourism promotion, world flag raisings, international community celebrations and fashion shows.
“There are some exciting objectives and goals in the works, and there is something for everyone whether volunteering or on the commission,” Shroeder said.
Here’s a partial list of some of the commission’s upcoming events (with dates and times subject to change- check Facebook page for latest updates: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070179833462
*Saturday, April 8, 1 to 3 p.m. on Derby Green, annual Easter Egg Hunt, featuring games, face painting, picture with the Easter Bunny
*April 20, Earth Day clean-up, 2 to 5 p.m., meeting at Home Depot parking lot
*May 5, Mexico (Cinco De Mayo), flag raising at City Hall, 12 p.m.
*May 28, Memorial Day Service
*May29, Memorial Day Parade
*June 1, Pride Day flag raising at City Hall, 12 p.m.
*June 10, Derby Day Lite, student grad splash slide, refreshments, music, 12 to 3 p.m., Derby Green
*July 10, Native American flag raising at City Hall, 12 p.m.
*Summer-fall concert series, free on the Derby Green, beginning in July (schedule of bands/performers TBA)
*Oct. 28, Halloween event, 2 to 4 p.m., Derby Green
*Dec. 2, tree lighting, student concert, visit with Santa, 6 to 8 p.m., Derby Green
The commission, in partnership with the City of Derby, is also now seeking vendors for the annual Derby Day celebration, scheduled for 12 to 6 p.m. Sept. 9 on the Derby Green. Festival programming will be inclusive of all demographics, showcasing cultural music, exhibits from civic groups and business, art from local residents and hands-on artifacts from historical groups, along with craft and food vendors.
A new feature this year will be the“International Cultural Fashion Show” where Derby residents and families can don their native apparel on the runway with music. Children’s activities will be offered, including bounce houses, arts/crafts, face painting, games, petting zoo and more.
Vendors are asked to send the following information to suelschroeder@gmail.com by May 1:
*Your full name, name of organization, individual or business contact information, phone number, email address and proposed involvement (Stage Show, Exhibit, Booth or Activity) with a short description detailing any important specifics. Vendors will then be emailed theDerby Day application package to complete and submit. Vendor fee is $70 per table; $45 for non-profits.
