(Photo/Ed Karvoski Jr.)
WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough July 4th Block Party is back on schedule.
This event is traditionally scheduled as an annual holiday kickoff celebration on the Friday before the Fourth of July. It was canceled in 2020, though, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Last year’s block party then took place later in the summer after the state lifted restrictions on large gatherings.
“It was well-attended with people excited to get back out together and celebrate,” Recreation Director Jenn Kirkland said of the 2021 event.
“We weren’t 100 percent back to normal yet,” she added, however.
Kirkland and the other members of the Westborough July 4th Block Party Planning Committee have now scheduled this year’s event for Friday, June 24 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Bay State Commons.
Committee adapts to changes
The committee is accustomed to adapting to changes.
The block party originally took place along several blocks of West Main Street with vehicular traffic closed for the event. Citing safety concerns, town department leaders suggested that the committee relocate the event to Bay State Commons in 2018, Kirkland noted.
“We partner with the police, fire and DPW, and whatever we need to do for safety is of the utmost importance,” she said on behalf of the committee. “I was a little nervous about moving to Bay State Commons, but now that we’ve been there a few years it feels like that’s where the block party should be.”
Entertaining on the bandstand
Two popular acts from past block parties will once again provide live entertainment on the bandstand. Each has gained nearly 50 years of performance experience.
The Reminisants, an oldies cover band founded in 1973 and longtime staple of this event, will perform classic rock-‘n’-roll music.
“We always book the Reminisants the day after each block party,” Kirkland noted. “They’re so energetic and they play music that people of all ages can enjoy.”
Also returning to the stage for this year’s block party is Fran Flynn, who has consistently worked as a professional magician since 1975. Prior to his magic show, he’ll create balloon animals for children at the booth of Westboro Tennis & Swim Club.
While on stage, Flynn welcomes children as volunteer assistants.
“There’s nothing better than the smile of a child,” he said.
Featuring family-friendly activities
(Photo/Ed Karvoski Jr.)
A number of community organizations and local businesses will offer free activities, some with giveaways.
“Civic Club members staff the tickets table and volunteer to help wherever we need them,” Kirkland said. “They’re big supporters of this event.”
Rotarians will distribute free American flags. Lions Club members will get dunked in a tank. Newcomers Club members will create temporary tattoos.
Fun challenges will include a word search by Central One Federal Credit Union, lawn games by the BORO Sugar Shack, and cornhole by the Westborough Historical Society.
Stationed onsite will be food and dessert trucks including Dean’s Concessions, Uhlman’s Ice Cream and VeeBop.
“The committee works really hard on this event and it’s nice to see it all come together on that night,” Kirkland said. “It’s a great way to kick off the summer.”
Find block party updates at facebook.com/westboroughREC.
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