Over 175 people attended. It was such a success they plan to hold another one. An open house is a public relations tool regularly employed by other municipal departments and used by some public works departments. An open house also creates a feeling of goodwill between the public and the department.
Planning is vital part of a successful event.
Exeter did their homework. An 8 person committee co- chaired by Lori Burrage, secretary, and Steven Tucker, work leader, it took about 5 months to organize the event. Over 25 employees volunteered their time to work on the project. The committee brainstormed topics for demonstrations and tours. Demonstrations were planned specifically for children, such as learning to use hand tools, recycling arts and crafts, and seeing a paint machine demonstration.