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Annual City Block Party = Marlborough Heritage Festival
September 30, 2012 – Marlborough, MA
Marlborough’s downtown will transform into the 17th Annual Marlborough Heritage Festival on Sunday, September 30, rain or shine, drawing thousands of visitors to peruse dozens of vendors; sample chowder, chili, hamburgers, sausages, fried dough, cotton candy and more; enjoy live entertainment; and stroll or even race with friends and families. Main Street is blocked to vehicular traffic from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Florence Street to Bolton Street to accommodate street performers, cooking grills, games, continuous music, and vendor booths.
To taste chowder and chili created by area eateries, and vote for a favorite, the cost is $3. Admission to the rest of the festival, as well as parking, is free. The Chowder and Chili Fest is held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the parking lot next to the old Fire Station with advance tickets for sale at City Hall Plaza. A panel of judges tastes first from 12:00 to 12:30. Trophies for the best tasting recipes are awarded in two categories, a judges vote and a popular vote.
Across the street from the chowder and chili tasting is another first for the Festival – a flea market. Cubscout Pack 42 of Marlborough is organizing a flea market for the community to participate in at the corner of Bolton and Main Streets. Cost of a space is $15. To sign up, call Jim at (508) 251-9044 or visit: https://docs.google.com/a/pack42marlborough.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGR2dUpIVXdUMC03LXB2ZUN4RDMwenc6MQ
To kick off festivities, the Marlborough Mile road race begins at 9:45 a.m. at the corner of Broad and Lincoln Streets. The downhill road race goes from Broad to Main Street (Route 20) to the finish line in front of City Hall, where live DJ Vasili Regan will play music and provide information all day. Race registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Prospector East Saloon, 520 Lincoln Street. It is an easy run, doable for family members of all abilities.
The official start of the Festival is 10 a.m. with entertainment planned until 3:00 p.m. A past favorite, the local band Flashback, will play rock and roll from the 50’s and 60’s during the Chowder and Chili Fest. Time Bandits is a group new to perform at the Festival; these locals will sing by the arch at Florence Street. Other entertainment includes line dancing by the popular Country Kickers and belly-dancing by the colorful Velvet Moon Gypsies throughout the day.
Martial arts will be demonstrated by young and older enthusiasts. Pressure point massage will be available at a couple of spots. Pose for a caricature artist! Learn about Green Marlborough, cat adoption, local businesses and many other community organizations.
The signature pink Cadillac of cosmetic titan Mary Kay will be on display for the first time at the Festival. Youngsters can enjoy games and activities such as face painting and arts and crafts. Vendors will offer temporary henna tattoos, handmade items, holiday decorations, hair accessories, jewelry, gifts, housewares, toys, arts and crafts, baked goods, clothing, and other items.
The annual Marlborough Heritage Festival is traditionally held on the first Sunday in October, but due to the Columbus Day holiday weekend, this year’s date was changed to September 30. Xfinity is the major corporate sponsor of the Festival.
Each year the Festival’s Planning Committee recognizes an individual community member who helps preserve and celebrate Marlborough’s rich history. Previous awardees include Gary Brown, Janet Bruno, Kathleen Lizotte Lynde, John Noble and George Whapham.
There are still booth spaces available for food and craft, as well as the Cub Scouts flea market. For information visit www.marlboroughheritagefestival.com or call the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce at 508 485-7746.