By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Darren McLaughlin, a popular resident well-known for his active involvement in activities with schools and community clubs and organizations, was named Grand Marshall of the city’s 64th annual Labor Day Parade to be held September 7. The theme of this year’s parade is “Marlborough – a Community Filled with Pride.”
In making the announcement, Mayor Arthur Vigeant stated that Parade Committee Chair Melanie Whapham and members of the group suggested McLaughlin “for his lengthy track record as one of the most active and passionate members of our community. Darren is known and respected for his devotion to improving the sense of community in the city and for his dedication to starting traditions that help numerous causes.”
“This is quite an honor. I am very grateful for this opportunity,” said McLaughlin at the announcement at City Hall. “I have been blessed to live and work in the city of Marlborough for more than 30 years. It is a wonderful community.”
Since 1994, McLaughlin has been the general manager of the Wayside Racquet & Swim Club. He is president of the Marlborough Regional Community Foundation, vice chair of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Board and serves on the chamber’s Scholarship Committee. He has been involved with the Boys and Girls Club through the years and hosts the annual Marlborough Lion’s Club Spring Sprint Triathlon, the Wayside Run for Fun, and the Forrest Memorial Road Race. He has helped pioneer American Red Cross community blood drives, Scholastic book fairs, and the popular Marlborough High Prom All Nighter, which provides a safe and enjoyable post-prom environment for students. In 2008, he received the noteworthy Marlborough Spirit Award “for his passion and dedication to the community.”
McLaughlin resides in Marlborough with his wife, Laura, and their three children, Kelly, Kate and Kevin.
Participating in the parade will be the Grand Republic Fife and Drums Corps, Waltham American Legion Band, Missy Maxfield-New Liberty Jazz Band, UMass Lowell Marching Band, Colonial Pipe Band, Worcester Sound and Light Calliope, the Reminisants, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Pep Band, Acton-Boxborough High School Marching Band, Sudbury Fife and Drums, Canton American Legion Band, Marlborough High School Marching Panther Band, and the Hallamore Clydesdales.
Whapham expressed her appreciation to sponsors for the parade, including Acorn Self Storage, Akroyd-Houde American Legion Post 132, Allied Waste, Avidia Bank, Bolton Street Tavern, Juniper Farms, Ken’s Foods, Marlborough Knights of Columbus, Market Basket, Marlborough Nissan, Marlborough Savings Bank, Murphy Insurance, St. Mary’s Credit Union and Visiting Angels.
“We are still actively seeking additional sponsorships,” said Whapham. Anyone wishing to become a sponsor or to find out more information about the parade, visit www.marlborough-gov or call 508-460-3770.
