Friday Night on the Square to return in conjunction with Old Settlers Days in 2026

A Community Posting by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is entering 2026 with new leadership and a renewed vision for serving the local business community.

Under the guidance of a new president (Zack Richards) and executive director (Jacob Dufour), the Chamber is implementing a series of updates focused on strengthening member value, improving communication, and increasing community engagement. Among the first initiatives is the launch of a redesigned Chamber website, which will feature a clearer, more concise outline of brand-new membership benefits and resources.

The Chamber is also excited to announce the return of Friday Night on the Square, scheduled for the first weekend of October. The event will take place in conjunction with Old Settlers Days, once again aligning two long-standing community traditions to encourage increased participation and activity.

Chamber leadership says these efforts reflect a broader commitment to collaboration, revitalization, and economic growth throughout Washington County.

“I really hope this is a turning point for how we work together in Washington County,” said Executive Director Jacob Dufour. “For years, it’s felt like a lot of organizations have been doing great work, but doing it alone – putting on lots of smaller events because everyone is stretched thin. Bringing Friday Night on the Square back together with Old Settlers Days is about changing that. I want to see us get back to big, shared community events like the ones I remember growing up with, where everyone pitched in and the whole town showed up.”

“I'm excited about the direction our Chamber is experiencing with our new director,” said President Zack Richards. “You can feel the positive energy flowing in the meetings. His fresh vision, his genuine nature, and his proactive approach has already made a tangible impact with our local businesses. With Jacob, you know he wants our community to succeed. I can't wait for 2026 and for some of the ideas we've discussed to be implemented.”