The Hudson Board of Selectmen devoted part of its Sept. 2 meeting to preparations for one of the community’s most popular annual traditions: the Hudson Fire Department Open House, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Station and the Town Hall campus.
For years, the open house has served as a hands-on opportunity for families to meet firefighters, explore equipment, learn about fire safety, and enjoy a day of community connection. Recent events have drawn large crowds, and Fire Chief Scott Tice told the Board that this year is expected to be no different.
“Following the success of the past two years hosting this event, we anticipate a strong turnout from our community,” Tice wrote in a memo to the Board. He noted that the department’s logistics plan remains largely the same, including the temporary closure of School Street from Chase Street to Library Street to ensure both space and safety.
During the meeting, Tice explained that closing the road is essential for accommodating the event’s layout. “We’d like to close School Street between Library Street and Chase Street right out in front of Town Hall and Central Fire,” he said. “That gives us more room to set up because we set up all around both buildings and out in the street. It also provides safety because now we have people… a lot of pedestrians out there.”
The open house typically features demonstrations, equipment displays, and interactive activities for children, offerings that have helped the event grow steadily in popularity. The department’s recent public outreach has emphasized the educational value of the day, encouraging families to learn about fire prevention, emergency response, and the role of modern fire services.
Tice said the department has not encountered issues with the road closure in previous years. “Our neighbors across the street have been wonderful to work with,” he said. “We work with them. They’re not trapped in their driveways or out of their driveways for the day. We make sure they can get in and out as needed. And this is how we’re doing it from 10 to 2.”
Board of Selectmen Chair Dillon Dumont praised the department’s efforts and the value of the event. “It’s a great thing that you guys do every year,” he said, noting that the open house has become a staple of community engagement in Hudson.
The Board unanimously approved the road closure, authorizing School Street to be shut down from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to allow for setup, the event itself, and breakdown afterward.
With the date approaching, the Fire Department is preparing for another busy day of demonstrations, tours, and family friendly activities, all aimed at strengthening the connection between residents and the firefighters who serve them.
The next Selectmen meeting is set for Sept. 15, which will serve as a budget review session. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.
