Tricentennial committee maps programming: Fay School family day, parade budgeting and time capsule timeline
February 12, 2026 | Town of Southborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts
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The Town of Southborough Tricentennial Committee used its Feb. 11 meeting to flesh out programming for the 300th anniversary year, advancing plans for a children’s event at Fay School, seeking detailed parade cost estimates, and outlining steps for a time-capsule project.
Michelle, a committee working-group lead, described a proposed "Fay Family Day" aimed primarily at children ages about 5–8 with a story hour, a "then-and-now" student photography project and a craft produced in Fay’s makerspace. "This event would be for ages 5 to 8 years old and would include a story hour," Michelle said; the group tentatively recommended Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 to 11 a.m., with a possible subsequent public display at the library or town hall.
Parade organizers said they need to show itemized cost estimates at the next meeting before the committee commits to a funding amount. Committee members cited example vendor quotes during discussion: a specialty act ("guy on stilts") was discussed at about $1,200, and one speaker referenced an artillery/cannon package costing in the $2,500 range for firing demonstrations; some period oxen/musket participants also quoted roughly $1,200 and asked for long lead time to commit. The committee urged parade leads to return with prioritized line items so members can evaluate trade-offs between cost and audience value rather than approving an open, large appropriation.
On the Firemen's Muster, organizers said they secured the event date on the New England State Veterans' Firemen's League calendar and are requesting initial confirmation of prize-money and logistical support. The organizer proposed voting on a preliminary muster budget at the next meeting so other planning (vendors, toilets, water access, and police/fire coordination) can proceed.
The committee also discussed a long-term time-capsule plan. Eric’s working group researched other towns and recommended a limited-size container with archival packaging (silica gel, special wrapping) and use of stable digital media (M-Disc/MDrive). The outline: decide partners and outreach by June 2026, confirm partners by November 2026, assemble content by April 2027 and prepare the site for placement by October 2027; an alternate ceremony date proposed was July 6 (incorporation anniversary).
Other items: a proposed "Glow Sobo" lights festival (dec. 1, 2027 concept) will form a working group to study costs and DPW logistics; the committee planned newsletter content and to coordinate fundraising outreach with the Friends.
Michelle, a committee working-group lead, described a proposed "Fay Family Day" aimed primarily at children ages about 5–8 with a story hour, a "then-and-now" student photography project and a craft produced in Fay’s makerspace. "This event would be for ages 5 to 8 years old and would include a story hour," Michelle said; the group tentatively recommended Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 to 11 a.m., with a possible subsequent public display at the library or town hall.
Parade organizers said they need to show itemized cost estimates at the next meeting before the committee commits to a funding amount. Committee members cited example vendor quotes during discussion: a specialty act ("guy on stilts") was discussed at about $1,200, and one speaker referenced an artillery/cannon package costing in the $2,500 range for firing demonstrations; some period oxen/musket participants also quoted roughly $1,200 and asked for long lead time to commit. The committee urged parade leads to return with prioritized line items so members can evaluate trade-offs between cost and audience value rather than approving an open, large appropriation.
On the Firemen's Muster, organizers said they secured the event date on the New England State Veterans' Firemen's League calendar and are requesting initial confirmation of prize-money and logistical support. The organizer proposed voting on a preliminary muster budget at the next meeting so other planning (vendors, toilets, water access, and police/fire coordination) can proceed.
The committee also discussed a long-term time-capsule plan. Eric’s working group researched other towns and recommended a limited-size container with archival packaging (silica gel, special wrapping) and use of stable digital media (M-Disc/MDrive). The outline: decide partners and outreach by June 2026, confirm partners by November 2026, assemble content by April 2027 and prepare the site for placement by October 2027; an alternate ceremony date proposed was July 6 (incorporation anniversary).
Other items: a proposed "Glow Sobo" lights festival (dec. 1, 2027 concept) will form a working group to study costs and DPW logistics; the committee planned newsletter content and to coordinate fundraising outreach with the Friends.
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