Westborough 250th Committee Votes to Fundraise, Locks In Fireworks Contract

WESTBOROUGH -- February 9, 2026, Westborough's 250th American Revolution Anniversary Committee voted unanimously to begin business fundraising outreach and reaffirmed its earlier contract with a lower-cost fireworks vendor at its February 9 meeting. The four-member quorum, member Lydia was traveling and could not connect fully enough to vote, confirmed the committee's prior approval of a 15-minute fireworks display priced at $19,000, part of a roughly $30,000 gift-fund package that also covers police detail ($4,500) and fire department ($1,600) costs for the June 26 block party. A previously proposed modification allows fundraised money to be applied toward upgrading to a 30-minute display costing approximately $26,000, provided the vendor receives notice by May 26. Before the fundraising vote passed, one member warned that asking businesses for money without a concrete programming plan amounted to seeking "blank check funding," noting the committee has yet to firm up costs for a Ben Franklin reenactor, historical walking tours, and a possible horse-and-buggy procession. Recreation Director Jen Kirkland clarified that the town warrant can be filed as "a sum of money" without a specific figure and adjusted closer to the March 21 town meeting; the warrant closes in roughly two weeks. Two committee members will present to the Select Board on February 24, with a preparatory committee meeting set for February 23.