Exeter Town Hall has reopened after a lightning strike earlier this year caused significant damage to the historic building.
Town Manager Russ Dean told Selectmen Monday the building was back open after months of repairs.
The lightning strike happened April 9 and sparked a small fire. The floors and ceiling sustained heavy water damage from fire hoses that extinguished the blaze. Damage exceeded $250,000, town officials said.
The damage was covered by Primex, the town's insurer.
The closing affected several events this year. The annual Exeter UFO Festival, which is usually held at Town Hall, was canceled after organizers said they couldn't find another venue as big as Town Hall.
Exeter Town Hall was built in 1855. It's a popular venue for politicians. Vice President Joe Biden came there last year, and former Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul launched his presidential campaign there in 2011.
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