Marlborough Main Street Car Show to return on June 5

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Marlborough Main Street Car Show to return on June 5
Cars line Main Street in Marlborough for a past iteration of the city’s Main Street Car Show. (File photo)

MARLBOROUGH – The United Brethren Masonic Lodge in Marlborough will host its 12th annual Main Street Car Show on June 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The car show, which is free for spectators, is returning after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“It feels good, and the reception that we’ve had when we’ve gone into local businesses to let them know that it’s coming back and looking for sponsorship for the show has been overwhelming,” Lodge member Alan Archibald said in a recent interview with the Community Advocate.

Archibald’s brother, Bob Archibald, first suggested holding a car show for the lodge’s 150-year anniversary in Marlborough when he was a lodge master in 2009. 

Bob said that, after the first year, there was a lot of encouragement to hold the event again. So, it has become a yearly occasion.

‘Don’t ever take the car show off Main Street’

What sets Marlborough’s car show is apart from others, Bob said, is its use of the entirety of Main Street.

“As I’ve heard many times, ‘Don’t ever take the car show off of Main Street. It’ll just be like any other car show,’” Bob said.

Owners of cars from before 1990 can register on the day of the event at 8:00 a.m. on Main Street at the intersection of Prospect and Florence streets. Registrants will pay a $20 donation, which will go to benefit charities including Shriners Hospitals, the Marlborough Community Cupboard and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Show draws crowd

Alan Archibald said that he has estimated that around 15,000 people have attended past shows throughout the day.

“I think a lot of people don’t know how big and well-attended this car show is,” Bob added. “As far as around this whole area, it’s number one.”

There will be food vendors throughout the day selling barbecue options, tacos and hot dogs. Double T’s Tavern will be there as well. 

DJ Dr. Dom will perform, continuing a long career playing at car shows. 

“His tunes are a perfect fit for the old cars,” Alan said. “It’s like a scene out of ‘American Graffiti.’”

Alan said that organizers receive substantial help and cooperation for the show from city government, the Marlborough Police Department and the community in general. He added that the event serves as a good bridge for the community.

“Everyone’s in a very festive mood at the show and everybody’s chatting up,” Alan Archibald said. 

If there is rain on June 5, the car show will be held on June 19 instead.

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