Marlborough – The unofficial end-of-summer weekend concluded sunny and hot Sept. 7 for the 64th annual Marlborough Labor Day Parade. With this year’s theme of “Marlborough – a Community Filled with Pride,” the parade featured state and local elected officials, 25 bands, several decorated floats and marchers representing nonprofit organizations. The 1.7-mile parade route also served as the campaign trail for some city political candidates.
Honored as grand marshal was Darren McLaughlin, riding in style in a 2009 Ford Mustang with his wife, Laura. He serves multiple roles with the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC): vice chair of the Executive Committee, president of the Marlborough Regional Community Foundation, and chair of the Scholarship and School to Business committees. As general manager of Wayside Racquet & Swim Club, McLaughlin hosts annual fundraisers benefitting the MRCC Scholarship Fund, Marlborough Lions Club and Greater Marlborough Programs, Inc.
A number of parade spectators claimed prime viewing spots by arriving that morning for the Marlborough Lions Club’s 34th annual Labor Day Bed Race. This year, 17 teams of four runners sponsored by businesses and nonprofit organizations pushed hospital beds east to City Hall, where they applied linen. After continuing further east and making a U-turn, they raced back to City Hall and removed the linen. The winning team sponsored by Wayside Racquet & Swim Club consisted of Marlborough High School Cross Country teammates Jeremy Barnes, Owen Crisafulli and Tom Redden, and Coach Jeff Downin. Proceeds help the Lions Club with its ongoing charitable causes including eyeglasses for those in need.