Hubbardston committee finalizes Memorial Day parade logistics, sets May 4 follow-up

The Town of Hubbardston committee working on Memorial Day arrangements approved the minutes and worked through logistics for the town’s parade and ceremony, confirming musicians, equipment rental, and school participation while scheduling a follow-up meeting for May 4.

The committee accepted Taylor’s written minutes with one correction noted and called the voice vote in favor; the transcript records the motion, a second, and a voice vote but does not record a roll-call tally. Committee members then turned to parade logistics, saying a trumpeter from about an hour away has indicated willingness to perform and that the group favored paying $100 to cover travel and time. A committee member said of payment paperwork: “you’ll need an invoice and a W-9 in order to get paid,” and noted the town cannot pay a deposit for municipal services.

With the school band unavailable because of scheduling conflicts, members discussed alternatives for taps and background music, including a seventh-grade student who has performed before. The committee reviewed outreach language for third-grade students: auditions will be held for students to recite “In Flanders Fields” on May 25, with teachers asked to notify families; the school will not provide in-class practice time, so parents and students must prepare outside school hours.

Members confirmed a $75 fee to borrow electronics from the Greens and said the Greens likely have the necessary W-9 and invoice information on file with the town. The committee also discussed parade timing to ensure the flag ceremony and the town bell line up at noon; options floated included stepping off at 11:15–11:30 depending on parade length.

Organizers reported outreach to veterans’ groups, motorcycle riders and community organizations to populate floats and contingents; the fire department and local civic organizations were expected to take part. A member said Isaiah Gonzalez from the fire department volunteered to assist with the flag ceremony.

The committee asked members to confirm outstanding participants (grand marshal, musicians, florists, and volunteers) and agreed to meet again on May 4 at 3:00 p.m. to finalize details.

The meeting adjourned after scheduling the follow-up; the transcript records no additional formal votes on parade items.