Westborough committee accepts donations and approves performer for 250th fireworks

The Town of Westborough 250th Anniversary Planning Committee accepted donations and advanced logistics for the June celebration at its meeting, voting to accept funds to lengthen the fireworks show and approving a performer appearance.

Tony Pitman, speaking for the veterans group, announced the veterans would donate $7,000 “to bridge that gap” in funding for the fireworks display, and the committee recorded its gratitude. Committee members then moved and seconded motions to accept additional gifts: $5,000 from Chris Egan of Kuth Capital and $1,000 from Deborah Penta. Members voted in favor of each motion during the meeting; speakers emphasized the committee should stop major additional fundraising because current donations were sufficient.

A separate motion to hire Gary Gregory — who will appear in period costume as Benjamin Franklin and is charging $400 — was put forward and seconded; the committee approved moving forward with procuring his services and public appearances at the event. Committee members noted that Gregory said he would provide a contract and images for publicity.

Organizers outlined logistics and assigned roles: Jen Kirkland and BJ will coordinate production details, Carla will work with the veterans, Casey will handle historical programming, and others will liaise with the library and schools for educational activities. The committee discussed programming for children (a reading hour at the Westboro Public Library, quilt‑square projects, and possible costume or bike-parade activities) and proposed staff and sponsor t‑shirts to highlight contributors.

Members discussed merchandising and audience engagement, including buying about 4,000 small flags to hand out, producing pins with the 250th logo or a local variant, and printing sponsors’ names on t‑shirts. The body made and approved a motion to investigate procurement of flags and pins and to confirm vendors are on the town’s approved list.

Committee members also discussed the status of the fireworks contract, saying it has been routed to town council and may need town counsel review before final signature. They instructed staff to confirm whether the original contract would simply receive an addendum for extra time or require a new agreement. Public-safety checks were raised as contingent steps: both the fire and police chiefs would need to inspect and approve the launch site (Rogers Field was discussed as a likely location) and the fireworks company would coordinate permits with the town.

The committee confirmed outreach plans: members will staff a promotional table at the town meeting on the 21st to promote the BFW and American Legion activities and answer public questions, and they agreed to begin broader social-media promotion once contracts are signed. They scheduled their next meeting for March 23 at 5:00 p.m. and approved a correction to the minutes before adjourning.

Votes at a glance • Accept BFW veterans donation: $7,000 — Approved (motion seconded; unanimous verbal assent) • Accept Kuth Capital donation (Chris Egan): $5,000 — Approved (motion seconded; unanimous verbal assent) • Accept Deborah Penta donation: $1,000 — Approved (motion seconded; unanimous verbal assent) • Hire Gary Gregory (Ben Franklin performer) for June 26: motion made and seconded — Approved • Investigate procurement of flags/pins for ~4,000 attendees: motion made and seconded — Approved • Accept corrected minutes: Approved

The committee directed staff to confirm contract details, insurance and the final fireworks contract language with town counsel and to coordinate site safety inspections with the fire and police chiefs before public promotion of the extended fireworks time.