By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Northborough will be celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2016. It will be a celebration of the town’s rich culture, history and growth with events being planned throughout the year.
The Northborough Board of Selectmen appointed a nine member committee in the spring whose mission it is, according to Virginia Simms George, the committee’s chair, to plan and coordinate a series of events, learning activities, and social and cultural opportunities to commemorate this milestone.
A vote at April’s Town Meeting approved $20,000 to be used primarily to cover town expenses, such as Department of Public Works and police details for events scheduled during the anniversary celebrations. That funding is just the beginning of what the committee needs to make it an exciting, memorable and beneficial event for all ages, according to Simms George.
Businesses and residents recently received a flyer in the mail, George said, outlining different levels of sponsorship and sponsorship benefits including a street banner that will be placed along Route 20 from December 2015-August 2016. She is optimistic about the response so far.
Another upcoming fundraiser is a golf tournament, which will be held Friday, Sept. 11 at Juniper Hill Golf Club. The cost to participate is $125 and includes 18 holes of golf, riding cart, continental breakfast, dinner and various awards. Pre-registration is recommended for planning purposes. The registration form as well as information about all upcoming plans and events for the 250th Celebration can be found at www.northborough250.org.
The committee is in the process of planning other events including a winter gala, Historical Trolley Tour, 5k Road Race, Family Game Day, and a Masquerade Ball. These events will be held throughout 2016.
Private organizations, civic groups, and schools have been contacted with the hope that each will plan their own events and take an active role in the celebration as well as attend the community events.
The Northborough Historical Society has already announced a photo contest. The purpose of the contest is to document life in Northborough during 2015-2016 for future generations.
“The goal of the committee is to provide a variety of events to encourage the participation of all residents and friends of Northborough,” said Simms George.
More volunteers are needed to make these events successful. Residents are invited to attend the committee meetings which are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at Town Hall at 5:30 pm.
The 250th Anniversary Committee members include Chair Virginia Simms George, Vice Chair Thomas Lowe, Treasurer Dale Rains, Secretary Norm Corbin, David Carlson, Amelia Graham, Lorna Helms, Robert Marchetta, and Cathy McAuliffe.
“Having the support of Selectmen Dawn Rand and Bill Pantazis, as well as Town Clerk Andy Dowd and Assistant Town Clerk Diane Wackell has also been very helpful,” said Simm George.
For more information visit www.northborough250.org, on Twitter: @northborough250 and Northborough’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/250fundraisers?fref=nf