Southborough – The Southborough Summer Nights Committee has partnered again this year with Southborough Recreation to bring residents together for an evening of entertainment and family fun at the annual Summer Nights event. This year will mark the eighth anniversary of the locally funded event, which will be held Sunday, Aug. 28 at the Neary School.
Every year the event gets bigger and this year is no exception. For 2011, Summer Nights will offer new venues, more food vendors and brand-new this year extravagant raffle prizes ranging from weekend getaways at luxurious Boston hotels, sports packages and smaller gift certificates and discount items. Residents will be able to purchase raffle tickets for the various prizes at the event and the drawings will take place before the fireworks begin. A complete list of the raffle prizes will be announced at the beginning of August. If you are interested in providing a raffle prize, contact Linda David at [email protected].
In addition, there will be more attractions and food choices.
“Every year we'se able to do things a little better based on what we learned the year before,” said Southborough Recreation Director Doreen Ferguson said. “Lines were still long for food last year so this year we'sl have even more food choices and food vendors.” So far, Dominos, Quizno's, Dean's and Mr. Jack's have already committed to this year.
Southborough Summer Nights could not be possible without the support and commitment of sponsors. This event is entirely funded by their donations.
“Our local businesses have been incredibly generous,” said Robin Martin, co-chair of the Summer Nights Committee. “Again this year, they gladly support this event and make it possible.”
The largest-ticket item – the fireworks display – is being co-sponsored by Bill Depietri of Capitol Group Properties and the nonprofit organization Friends of Southborough Recreation. Capitol Group has been Summer Night's largest annual sponsor since its inception eight years ago. The Friends of Southborough Recreation, Melissa Shields, Jill Dratch and Kate Poultney, are co-sponsoring the fireworks for the third year.
There are several other local businesses that step up annually to help fund the amusements and entertainment that are offered free of charge. The obstacle course, rock wall, dunk tank, moon walk, pony rides, face painting and popular bubble romp would not be possible without the support of Wellen Construction, Long Cadillac Hummer Saab, Brendon Properties, Choice Car Wash, Tomasso's, Southborough House of Pizza, Fay School, Yama Zakura, Middlesex Savings Bank and St. Mary's Credit Union.
The organizers recognize the support and generosity of the event's sponsors and have made additional efforts to further their recognition from this event. This year, Summer Nights has its own Facebook page – Southborough Summer Nights. All local businesses and residents are invited to join the page and receive up-to-date information about the event. All interested sponsors, advertisers, booth and food vendors can download applications from the site as well. In addition, this year a 3-foot by x 20-foot banner featuring all sponsors will hang on Main Street. Additional advertisement opportunities have also been added this year, including the banner and signage along the entrance to Neary School.
Support from the community is not limited to monetary donations. An event this large requires a commitment from the town as a whole. The group relies heavily on the assistance of the Police, Fire, Emergency Management and Public Works departments.
The Fire Department provides the truck and sets up the popular bubble romp for children and must be on hand for the fireworks display. The police assist with parking, safety and crowd management. The Public Works Department helps with many aspects of setting up the event to cleaning up afterward.
“We greatly appreciate the help and support the town departments provide to us each year,” Ferguson said.
The organizers continue to look for additional supporters, including a local business or a couple of local businesses to sponsor the band. Live music at Summer Nights is provided by “The Infractions,” a band from Duxbury, which has become a staple for Summer Nights.
“We'se hoping within the next couple of weeks, interested businesses will step up and make this important donation,” Martin said.
This year the following resident volunteers have joined the Summer Nights group – Linda David, Susie Cabral and Kara Miles.
“I would like to thank the volunteers for their help this year and a special thank you to Linda David for securing the luxurious Boston getaway raffle prizes” said Martin. We'se very excited about what this year has to offer.”
