Westborough committee finalizes plans for June 26 block party and fireworks

The Town of Westborough’s American Revolution Anniversary Committee on Monday finalized logistics for a block party and fireworks display set for Friday, June 26, 2026, naming Bay State Commons as the official public viewing area and confirming road closures, vendor arrival times and sanitation plans.

Jen Clark, the town recreation director, told the committee she will work with organizers on banner placement at the gazebo and urged staff to measure grommets so the sponsors’ banner will not cover the flag or chandelier. "Jen Clark, I'm recreation director," she said during the meeting as the group discussed gazebo constraints and signage placement.

Organizers agreed food trucks and vendors will generally begin arriving around 3:30–4:00 p.m., with a hard close of a section of Union Street around 3:00–3:30 p.m. to allow safe setup. Hayrides will not operate this year; pony rides will move to a spot in front of Boston Interiors on Union Street, leaving Brigham open for pedestrian access.

The fireworks contractor provided expected shell heights in the 150–300-foot range; committee members reviewed drone footage taken at 100, 200 and 300 feet and confirmed line of sight to Bay State Commons. A committee member asked Amanda to reconfirm final heights with the fireworks vendor via email so organizers can finalize safety notices and sightline guidance.

Traffic flow measures will direct departing drivers east toward Westborough House of Pizza rather than toward the rotary, and the committee plans to request that traffic lights near the pizza shop be set to flash during peak egress to reduce congestion. A police detail will be posted near Rogers Road to prevent public access behind the fireworks launch area.

Sanitation was a focus: committee member DJ said supplemental portable toilets will be sited at Bay State Commons and confirmed the committee is paying for 13 units. "We're paying for 13 of them, just to let you know," DJ said. The group did not secure businesses to host additional restrooms, so organizers will show the porta-potty locations on the event map behind the stage.

The committee reviewed event copy and flyers, corrected references to the official viewing location (listed in materials as Bay State Commons) and agreed to add the location and parking guidance under the event date on printed materials. Committee members also discussed vendor and entertainment lineups, expected family attractions such as the dunk tank, pony rides and face painting, and volunteer shirt distribution ahead of the event.

A committee member said she will present the committee’s plan to the Select Board on Tuesday, June 23, and circulate her written remarks to the group in advance. The committee scheduled a post-event debrief for Monday, June 29 at 5:00 p.m.

The meeting ended with routine housekeeping: members approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then voted to adjourn.