Labor Day Parade Announced, Applications Accepted

The following was submitted to anyone interested in performing in the Labor Day Parade:

My name is Melanie Whapham. I am the Parade Director of the 64th annual City of Marlborough, Massachusetts Labor Day Parade. This year the parade will start at noon on Sept. 7, 2015. The committee has chosen the theme “Marlborough – A Community Filled with Pride.”

Mayor Arthur Vigeant and the City Council are proud of the Community enhancements - our new Senior Center at Ward Park, which provides a bright, new building for Senior activities and the renovations at Memorial Beach providing an attractive and safe outdoor setting for recreation. The City continues to renovate and add to the green spaces which will offer additional recreation and sports venues for our entire community to be proud of.

In 1952, Mayor, Romeo J. Gadbois instituted the first annual Labor Day Parade as as a way to brighten the lives of the Marlborough area communities which were, along with the rest of the nation, rebounding from WWII and then setback by the onset of the Korean War. The first parade, managed by Louis Ghiloni, the city’s first Recreation Director, consisted of about 12 marching units. In the 58 years that followed, the parade has grown to be a New England premier event, consisting of over 150 bands, floats, and other entertaining entries.

Over the years, the management and growth of the parade has been a volunteer effort, most of which attributed to the efforts of my husband, George Whapham, who was the Parade Director from 1981 through 2008. The directorship and all the positions of parade day staff remain a volunteer effort. Funds for the operation of the parade are partially a city line item, but the majority of the cost is covered by donations from private individuals and commercial and corporate organizations. Many of the commercial and corporate organizations choose to sponsor community organizations such as civic organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Home & School Associations or School and Athletic groups. Preparations for the parade start in February and then move into full gear in April, increasing steadily until Labor Day.

This year we are asking that your group make firm plans and discuss them with the Parade Director by submitting the Application and/or filling out the forms required for Military groups, Parade Sponsors, Politicians or Political Groups or Entertainment Entries by July 15.

Please read the Rules and Information prior to submitting your Application. The Rules and Regulations assure a safe and orderly Line of March. All applicants will be considered based upon assessment of quality, the nature of performance offered, consistency with parade theme and specific needs, and budgetary limitations.

With a well-established reputation for excellence, this parade is one of New England’s premier events, attracting large crowds and media attention. It is an annual event and units often return for repeat performances. If your Entertainment group is chosen to participate, you will receive a Parade Contract with the negotiated fee noted on the form and your Parade Division Assignment. Submission of Press Materials will be included in our Press Book submitted to our local cable channel (WMCTTV) for use in their commentary during live coverage. Political entries are assigned into the Line of March in order by submitted date of their completed Application AND Payment. (See fee schedule). Marlborough Labor Day Parade applications can be found on the City’s homepage, Recreation homepage. Application forms are also available at the Marlborough Recreation Department, at the Marlborough Public Library and at Mayor Arthur Vigeant’s office.

Find the rules and regulations and sign up information here.