SOUTHBOROUGH – The annual Heritage Day festival came just in time for perfect October weather.
The crowds came early to the fields at St. Mark’s on Monday, Oct. 9, and they stuck around for food, games and lots of fun.
“It’s a wonderful crowd and great weather,” said Southborough Recreation Director Tim Davis. “It’s a good feeling of fall.”
Davis credited the many municipal groups for making Heritage Day possible.
The day kicked off with a parade, featuring police, fire and DPW units, Boy and Girl Scouts, the Trottier Middle School marching band, the Southborough Gardeners, Skyrise Theater and the Southborough Kindergroup.
Those seeking lunch or a snack had several food vendors to choose from; the Boy Scouts ran a grill, and Pilgrim Church offered baked potatoes with as many fixings as desired.
“It’s been a great day so far,” said Pastor Charley Eastman. He added it didn’t hurt to have their booth next to the Bogestow Bacon Bar.
It was also a great day for the folks running the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School booth. The high school is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
“We’ve had a lot of people asking about night programs and nursing programs,” said Principal Mark Hollick.
Asaabet is hosting a showcase of its programs on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
State Rep. Kate Donaghue (D-Westborough) ran a voting booth just for kids; instead of political candidates, the choice was for favorite candy – Skittles or M&Ms.
Nearby, the Knights of Columbus staged a soccer goal challenge, while Angel Hair Alpacas of North Grafton brought two alpacas for visitors to pet. They were also selling alpaca mittens, scarves and more, just in time for chilly weather.
On the other side of Route 85, the Southborough Public Library held a book sale, and St. Mark’s Bargain Box was open for business.
In between, the stone wall near Pilgrim Church was lined with decorated pumpkins. This year’s “crop” included homages to Barbie, Snoopy and Woodstock, and several M&Ms.
The next big event co-sponsored by Southborough Recreation will be the annual Parade & Trunk of Treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2 to 4 p.m., Woodward School/Public Safety Building, 28 Cordaville Road.
At 2 p.m., costumed families will gather outside the school, and march down the access road to co-sponsor Southborough Fire Association’s annual Halloween party in the station garage. The firefighters will be giving out treats and judging winners of the costume contest.
Afterwards, party-goers can head back to the Woodward parking lot for Trunk or Treat. Town departments and organizations will have the trunks of their vehicles decorated, and candy will be handed out.
