Marlborough Labor Day Parade Seeks Participants, Donations

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough is making preparations for the city's 69th Labor Day parade, with organizers encouraging locals to contribute to the event.

The city's annual parade took a hiatus in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The parade was founded in 1952 by then-mayor Rome Gadbois "to brighten the lives of those living in Marlborough" following World War II.

The parade was largely a showcase for veterans, but has expanded in recent years to include high school and college marching bands, rock bands and historical reenactment groups.

Parade Director Melanie Whapham said in a news release this week that performers and groups interested in participating should sign up on the parade website. The parade is also accepting donations to put on this year's event.

Mayor Arthur Vigeant has named "Marlborough's Community Health Heroes" as the grand marshals of the 2021 parade, which includes workers from Marlborough Hospital and the Marlborough Board of Health.

The 2021 Marlborough Labor Day Parade will begin at noon on Sept. 6 at Pleasant and Lincoln streets. The parade winds through downtown Marlborough before ending near Maple and Bolton streets.