Westborough Rotarians treat families to fall fest

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer

Westborough – The Rotary Club of Westborough presented its first Family Fall Festival the weekend of Oct. 13 and 14 after their 16th annual Spring Festival got postponed in May due to a severe weather forecast.

On Oct. 13, light rain showers ultimately cleared during a full day of family-friendly activities at Bay State Green. Festival-goers browsed booths of vendors, nonprofit organizations and businesses. Appetites were satisfied by the Rotary Grill, local eateries and food trucks. A roaming railroad traveled the grounds.

Gary Kelley emceed on the bandstand with musical entertainment performed by the seven-piece band Southbound Train, sponsored by Westborough Recreation; country-pop singer Lyssa Coulter, honored as 2018’s New Act of the Year at the New England Music Awards; and students of Patrice Peris Voice Studio.

Children were given free bicycle helmets donated by Breakstone, White & Gluck, a Boston law firm. Helmets were fitted by members of the Westborough Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Paul McGrath hosted an amateur dog show with trophies awarded for smallest; largest; softest; “most” categories including disobedient, fashionable and owner lookalike; and “best” categories including ears, kisser, trick, and wiggly butt. Serving as judges were students from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton. Proceeds from entry fees go to the Travis Fund, which helps cover medical expenses for animals in need.

On Oct. 14, a classic car show supported by NAPA Auto Parts took place at the parking lot of Arturo’s Ristorante.

Major festival sponsors were BJ’s and Central One Federal Credit Union. For information about the Rotary Club of Westborough, visit westboroughrotary.org and facebook.com/westboroughrotary.