Marlborough – The Labor Day Parade Committee is appealing to the greater Marlborough region to raise additional funds for this year's “Spirit of Marlborough” parade, now in its 62nd year.
For many years, the city has relied heavily on generous donations from residents and local businesses to ensure a successful parade, but additional donations are needed to successfully reach the funding goal.
Marlborough City Council approved the Mayor Arthur Vigeant's budgeted amount of $18,000 be set aside for the parade, but that only scratches the surface when it comes to the full cost of putting together such a large parade on an annual basis. Donations are used to help defray the cost of police details, security, and transportation for marching bands and other performing parade units.
The committee has been working on alternative ways to raise funds for this city's longstanding event. One decision they have made is to charge vendors a fee for selling their goods. With the newly amended Hawkers & Peddler's City Ordinance, the committee will be charging a $50 participation fee.
“The Marlborough Labor Day Parade is one of our city's longstanding traditions and a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together to celebrate,” Vigeant said. “I believe that with the Parade Committee's new idea and the continuous generosity of local businesses, our city will see another exciting and great Labor Day.”
The parade will begin at noon Monday, Sept. 2.
