Foxborough Founders Day committee seeks volunteers, outlines June 6 schedule

Foxborough Founders Day organizers used a taped segment on Foxborough Cable Access to appeal for volunteers, describe safety and logistics and lay out a schedule of activities for the event set for June 6.

The host, Steve Uden, and committee members Frank Sturm and Kerry Rosato said the volunteer-run nonprofit raises money through a spring "boot" (rocket) drive and local sponsorships to pay for fireworks, bands, the parade and field supplies. "Any money we take in, we have to apply to the events," Rosato said, adding that the committee typically spends the funds on fireworks, bands, parade and field logistics.

Why it matters: The event depends on short volunteer shifts for setup, parade marshaling and Sunday cleanup. Committee members said recurring volunteers and one-off groups — scouts, sports teams or school clubs — can make the work manageable and preserve the event's long-term viability.

Committee operations and staffing Kerry Rosato described the core planning group as "maybe 12 to 15 people". The committee meets monthly beginning in September and moves to weekly meetings as Founders Day approaches, she said. Frank Sturm, who handles publicity, listed the website and social media as the main channels for sign-ups and up-to-date information.

Logistics and volunteer needs Organizers said most heavy setup happens on the Friday before the event, with field marking, fencing for the fireworks area and equipment staging starting "around 7, 8:00" in the morning. Parade marshals and volunteers who walk the curb are asked to serve short shifts: the parade itself starts at 10 a.m. and typically ends by 11–11:30 a.m. Volunteers are also needed early Sunday for trash pickup and to roll up and return fencing and tents to the committee shed on Payson Road.

Events and entertainment The committee confirmed family-focused attractions including a doll carriage and wagon parade for pre‑K through fourth grade, kid activities, bouncy houses, llamas and local bands. Nighttime music will include Carol Ray and the Rumors (6:45–9 p.m.), and DJ Ted Meyer is scheduled to play during the daytime field event (about 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). "We have a lot of photo ops this year," Sturm said, noting motorcycle displays, a donated cow for cow chip bingo and other attractions.

Changes to the lineup Organizers said there will be no firemen's burn this year because the fire department is committed to training for an upcoming World Cup soccer event. Rosato described that commitment as the reason the traditional burn could not be staged this year but said the committee hopes to bring it back for a future milestone celebration.

How to help Committee members emphasized short, specific volunteer opportunities and multiple ways to give: in-person donations at town hall, Venmo, QR codes and participation in the boot/rocket drives. "If you have the time, come and see what we are," Rosato said; Sturm urged people to check the committee website and social media for registration and updates.

The committee asked attendees to note that Founders Day is a sunshine event: if rain forces postponement, some activities can move (fireworks to the next day), but the parade and field events do not have makeup dates.

Organizers closed the segment by thanking sponsors and volunteers and reminding viewers the Founders Day celebration is scheduled for June 6.