Why the "300 Club"?

Questions abound when talking to people about the USA250/NEWMARKET Group and one that keeps rising is : "What is and why do you have the 300 club?"

It really rather easy, Newmarket 300 is a celebration planned by Newmarket people for Newmarket people. The 300 Club allows people to be directly involved in funding events, activities, and promotions surrounding the celebration. In exchange they receive a quarterly e-newsletter expressly for members, opportunities to purchase tickets and order merchandise prior to it going on sale to the general public, along with other "perks". For instance, 300 Club members will be listed on a page in the commemorative book 103 People , Places and Things Celebrating Newmarket.

Next will come the question: "But isn't the town giving you money?". The answer is simple, yes, and no. Several years ago the town set up a trust account to be used to celebrate our 300th Anniversary. Unfortunately, to date, that account has approximately $20,000 in it. To put that amount in perspective, in 1976/77, the town appropriated $25,000 to fund the Bicentennial and 250th Anniversary Celebrations. I think that we can all agree that much has changed in the last 50 years. Insurance , permitting, promotions, and the cost of events have all skyrocketed. The steering group wishes, (and so, we think, do the townspeople) that we have a quality celebration that all can enjoy. It's your celebration! Participate-Volunteer-Donate! Join the club.