Above: There’s a lot happening in Town this Sunday and Monday as Southborough celebrates its heritage. Here is a roundup of all the information you need to enjoy it.
Heritage Day is almost here and here’s a roundup of all you need to know.
The main event is on Columbus Day with the fun beginning on Sunday. Below is an overview of the schedule with links for more details on specific activities.
But first, to answer the question I keep hearing. . .
Will forecast rain dampen the fun?
Hopefully not, despite the forecast. Events are all pitched as “Rain or Shine”. So put on some rain gear, remind yourself you’re a New Englander, and head out for fun.
If weather is severe enough to cause any cancellations, I will run an update to alert readers at the top of the blog and Southborough Recreation will update its cancellation line (508-485-0710 press 8). Click here to see the most recent posts on Heritage Day 2017.
Some events are at least partially indoors or under tents. But that’s not true for everything.
A downpour on the outskirts of Hurricane Matthew forced The Rotary Club to cancel last year’s Light Up Southborough. That was unusual. They have held it on other rainy nights in the past and plan to again this Sunday. (There is a backup date to avoid a repeat of last year’s scramble – but I don’t want to confuse anyone at this point. I’ll post details if it becomes necessary.)
On Monday, expect the parade, fun on the field, and satellite events to go on.
Note: You won’t see Algonquin Robotics running a demo at the Community House this year. But that’s not because of the weather. They simply didn’t have enough team members to participate this year.
Sunday, October 8, 2017:
The Trustees of Reservations is holding its 3rd annual Chestnut Hill Farm Festival from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. It will include farm related fun, live music, farm animals, crafts and games, local vendors and food, face painting, and more family friendly activities. (Click here to learn more.)
Later, head downtown to drop off your Light Up Southborough jack ‘o lanterns on the “pumpkin wall” along Common Street from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Next, head up to St. Mark’s Church’s and kill some time while having fun at their free Community Pasta Dinner starting at 5:30 pm. (Click here to learn more.)
After dark, come back to see the Light Up Southborough pumpkin wall in its full glory from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The display starts by the library, just past the Southborough Rotary Club’s table where they’ll be raising funds for their scholarships. (You can usually count on them for some refreshments.)
The lit display proceeds past the cemetery to the top of the hill then around the corner onto St. Mark’s Street. (Click here to learn more.)
Monday, October 10, 2016:
The Southborough Library opens its Book and Bake Sale 9:00 am, while across the street on St. Mark’s field, exhibitors are still setting up their booths. Swing by the library for an early morning treat – like a slice of pumpkin bread (then come back later for a cookie). Take advantage of book sale offers like “One free book per child” and stuff-a-bag deals. It runs until 3:00 pm. (Click here to read more.)
At 9:30 am, the booths open. (Expect community organizations pitching their causes/raising funds, vendors selling fun wares and lots of food, plus fun activities to draw you in as you pass by. For details on some of those, click here.)
Also at 9:30 am, community organizations and kids convene at St. Anne’s to organize for the Town’s big annual parade. The Parade march begins at 10:00 am and heads from Boston Road to East Main Street, turning the corner around St. Mark’s field. (For drop-off details, click here.)
10:00 am – 1:00 pm is the free Knight of Columbus Soccer Challenge for 9-14 year olds. (Click here to learn more.)
Action on the field will get busy around 10:30 am – 2:30 pm with free entertainment:
- Inflatable Obstacle Course
- Moonwalk
- Photo Booth
At 11:00 am, the Fire Station holds its Open House until 2:00 pm.
(This is always with the warning that they could be called away for an emergency. But that hasn’t been a problem yet.)
At noon, Firefighters will also be up at the Southborough Historical Museum to demonstrate the town’s 1890s version of a fire truck. Historical documents exhibits will also be on display inside until 2:00 pm. (Click here to learn more.)
Noon is also the time for Boy Scout Troop 92’s pie eating contest at their booth. (Click here to learn more.)
At 2:30 pm, Skyrise Children’s Theater’s all star child cast will perform a musical parody for the public. That takes place in Pilgrim Church. (Click here to learn more.)
At 3:00 pm, Exhibitors close up shop.
With all the problems with inflatables, and the danger they present, I’d think twice before
inflating and using them at Heritage Day. Don’t take a chance.