The Tricentennial Committee meeting held on January 15, 2025, in Southborough, Massachusetts, focused on planning events to celebrate the town's 300th anniversary. Key discussions revolved around enhancing community events, particularly the strawberry social, which has seen success in the past.
Committee members reflected on the strawberry social's history, noting that it had previously attracted around 200 attendees. They proposed expanding this event for the tricentennial celebration, aiming to make it one of the larger community gatherings. The timing of the event in June aligns with strawberry season and coincides with the library's book sale, which typically draws significant foot traffic.
Another significant topic was the library's construction timeline. It was confirmed that there would be no major construction projects affecting the library site during the tricentennial celebrations in 2027. The library's representatives clarified that they would not be able to reapply for state grants until at least fiscal year 2027 or 2028, ensuring that the library would remain operational during the tricentennial events.
The committee also discussed the potential use of New Heritage Park for outdoor events, although permission would need to be sought from the town. The library's programming is planned on a seasonal basis, with discussions about summer events already underway.
Looking ahead, the committee emphasized the importance of planning for the tricentennial well in advance. They aim to establish a comprehensive schedule of events leading up to 2027, incorporating both large-scale and smaller community activities. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions and refine plans as the tricentennial approaches, ensuring a memorable celebration for the town of Southborough.