By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Northborough – The town of Northborough’s residents as well as guests from near and far attended a number of events Sept. 14-17 during the town’s annual Applefest celebration.
The events on Sept. 14 were geared to youngsters as the Girl Scouts hosted their annual family dinner. Later that evening a magic show was held at the Robert E. Melican Middle School featuring “The Stupendous Mr. Magichead”.
Seniors enjoyed a special luncheon on Friday at the Senior Center. Also at the center that day was the annual Applefest Bake-off.
New this year to the weekend was the first annual Farmers’ Market which was held Sept. 16 on the site of the future town common, with over several hundred people coming to shop for local fare, according to organizers.
One of the most popular events was the BBQ held later that night at Algonquin Regional High School. Guests enjoyed the music performed by local bands and games hosted by Algonquin students, before a grand fireworks display.
On Sunday, Sept. 17, thousands of people walked attended the Street Fair held on Blake Street, where nonprofit groups, organizations, vendors and local businesses had booths set up. The fair was once again organized by the Rotary Club of Northborough.
That afternoon civic groups, school children and parents, bands and others marched in the parade which traveled through the downtown. Gerard Bourque, a veteran of the U.S. Army, and life member of the Vincent F. Picard Post 234, the American Legion in Northborough, served as grand marshal.
Other groups participating throughout the weekend included the Junior Woman’s Club, the Friends of the Library, Northborough Garden Club, Historical Society Tour, American Legion, Boy Scouts, Fire Department, Trinity Church and a classic car show.
The weekend’s festivities concluded with a Taste of Northborough at the Melican School featuring food and drinks from some of the area’s finest dining establishments.
Michelle Gillespie, who once again chaired the Applefest Committee, said she and her fellow members “were thrilled at how the weekend turned out.”
“We had some really spectacular events,” she said. “We are really happy that so many groups and residents participated throughout the weekend.”
Video/Dakota Antelman