By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Southborough – The center of Southborough was bustling with activities on an unseasonably warm Oct. 13 for its 42nd Heritage Day Celebration, organized by Southborough Recreation. Festivities began the previous evening when the Southborough Rotary Club presented the 17th annual Light-Up Southborough. Over 250 carved and decorated jack-o-lanterns were still on display along Common Street for visitors to view before the parade.
A caravan of Southborough Fire Department vehicles began the parade along with a couple of vintage engines from Framingham. Other parade participants included town and state officials, military veterans, scout troops and youth sports teams. Music was provided by the marching bands of Algonquin Regional High and Trottier Middle schools. Marching in this parade for the first time was the U.S. Marine Corps JROTC of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough.
The celebration continued at the St. Mark’s School field with vendors, artisans, food court, children’s games, and representatives from nonprofit organizations and businesses. Live entertainment featured a performance by SkyRise Children’s Theater and interactive demonstrations by the Algonquin Robotics Team 1100. The popular pie eating contest awarded prizes of AMC movie passes in two age categories.
For the second year, the Southborough Rotary Club hosted a scarecrow contest with entries displayed in front of the Community House. Proceeds from entry fees go to the Southborough Cultural Council.
Other activities included a book and bake sale sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library, and an open house at the fire station.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.