Thank You Marlborough!

What an incredible Labor Day Weekend!

We want to extend our heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this year's Marlborough Labor Day Festival and Parade such a wonderful success!

To all of our amazing Committee Members, Volunteers, Sponsors, Parade Participants, Performers, Organizers, DPW, Police, Fire, Facilities and everyone who came out to celebrate with us - we couldn't have done it without you.

Thank you for your continued support of this special Marlborough tradition and for coming together as a community to celebrate, enjoy the festivities and make memories with family and friends.

We are already looking forward to next year's celebration - and an extra-special 75th Annual Marlborough Labor Day Parade in 2027!

Until then, thank you for making this year one to remember.

We will see you in 2027!

A Tradition of Community -

The History of Marlborough's Labor Day Parade

Marlborough's Labor Day celebration has roots reaching way back with local historical records documenting Labor Day festivities as early as 1946. Baton twirlers, bands and spectators celebrated the return of the young soldiers of World War II who had served their country.

The September tradition of a big parade continues today, making Marlborough one of the few communities to still host a Labor Day Parade.

The history of the parade as it is officially recognized and numbered today, however, dates back to 1952. That year, Mayor Romeo J. Gadbois, with the assistance of Recreation Director Louis Ghiloni, organized what is documented as the first annual Marlborough Labor Day Parade.

Labor Day Parade 1946

Labor Day Parade 1955

The inaugural 1952 parade was a modest beginning, featuring approximately 12 marching units, including World War II veterans. From those early beginnings, the celebration grew into one of Marlborough's most anticipated annual traditions.

The parade's history is also a story of volunteerism and community support. For decades, residents, volunteers, businesses, organizations and sponsors have contributed their time, resources and enthusiasm to make the celebration possible.

The dedication of parade directors, committee members, municipal employees and countless others have helped carry the tradition from one generation to the next. Among those who have played an important role in the parade's history is George Whapham, who served as Parade Director from 1981 to 2008.

After nearly seven decades of annual celebrations, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the parade tradition in 2020.

The parade returned in full force for the 69th year in 2021, but this return was more than simply the continuation of an annual event - it was a reminder of the importance of gathering together as a community during a still challenging time.

Labor Day Parade 2021

In 2027, the City of Marlborough will celebrate the 75th Annual Marlborough Labor Day Parade - a remarkable milestone representing three-quarters of a century of tradition. From the approximately 12 marching units of 1952 to the over 80 units who took part in 2026, the parade has grown into one of Marlborough's most cherished community traditions.

Join us in 2027 as we come together again to celebrate the spirit of Marlborough.

Parade Information

The Parade Opening Ceremonies begin promptly at 12:00pm

at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Lincoln Street

Parade Route

The parade begins at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Lincoln Street

Lincoln Street→ Broad Street →West Main Street→ Main Street →Ending at Maple Street

Labor Day Parade Route 2026_edited_edite

Parade Start

Parade End

For 70 years the Marlborough Labor Day Parade had followed the same 1.7 mile route. The only exception came in 2023, when construction required the parade to temporarily detour from the Main Street section.

Today, we are proud to continue to preserve this historic route and the memories that generations of Marlborough families have created along the way.

From lining the streets with chairs the night before to gathering with family and friends to watch the floats, bands and marchers pass by, the traditional parade route is more than just a path, it's an important part of what makes this parade such a beloved tradition.

Residents and visitors along the parade route should expect traffic delays and detours

beginning at approximately 10:00am on Parade Day.

Road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place throughout

the morning and during the parade until approximately 2:00pm.

Please plan ahead and allow extra travel time and use alternative routes whenever possible.

Festival Information

The Sunday before Labor Day, downtown Marlborough comes alive on

Main Street for our Labor Day Festival!

Festival Hours

Sunday Before Labor Day - 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Main Street, Marlborough

The festival was historically an important part of Labor Day weekend in Marlborough. In 2024 when

Mayor J. Christian Dumais was elected into office, he officially brought it back to Main Street after a long absence - creating a new tradition for the community to enjoy alongside the beloved parade.

The family-friendly celebration brings the city together for an afternoon of fun, food, entertainment and activities for all ages. Enjoy a variety of local vendors and food trucks, live entertainment, bounce houses, Touch-A-Truck and more as we kick off Labor Day weekend in true Marlborough Style.

Residents and visitors along Main Street should expect traffic delays and detours

beginning at approximately 9:00am on Festival Day.

Road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place throughout

the morning and during the festival until approximately 7:00pm.

Please plan ahead and allow extra travel time and use alternative routes whenever possible.

Join the Celebration & Be Part of the Tradition!

Whether you are looking to join the festival as a vendor, march in the parade as a performer or volunteer your time to help us bring it all together, we would love to hear from you!

Simply explore the options below to get started.

Every contribution - big or small - all helps make this event a success

for our entire community.

APPLICATION DATES FOR 2027

VENDORS -

Monday, May 3, 2027 through August 26, 2027

PERFORMER & PARADE PARTICIPANT APPLICATIONS -

May 3, 2027 through August 13, 2027

Performers & Parade Participants

Are you a performer, band, DJ, community group, school, business, club, or friendly neighbor?

We want YOU!

Whether you want to

🚶‍♀️walk, 🚗ride🎶, float or perform on stage,

there’s a place for you!

👉 Click the “Performer/Parade Application” link below and complete the application.

Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be contacted with the next steps.

Please note that if your application includes a performance fee or recommended donation amount, application submission alone does not guarantee confirmation of participation.

Performer/Parade Application

Volunteers

It takes a village to bring the event to life and we couldn't do it without you!

From helping to set-up, to distributing information, assisting parade participants and everything in between, our volunteers are the heartbeat of this community tradition!

👉 Click the “Become a Volunteer” link below to email us for more information.

*Volunteer positions are eligible to receive Community Service Learning (CSL) credits & may qualify for student scholarships!

Become a Volunteer!

Festival & Parade
Vendors

Are you a craft or food vendor, a business or community organization? - this is YOUR chance to shine!

From delicious food to amazing entertainment, there's a spot for you to share your talents and goods with thousands of attendees!

👉 Click the “Vendor Application” link below and complete the application.

Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be contacted with the next steps.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee confirmation of participation.

Food and alcohol vendors may be required to complete an additional application with the City of Marlborough Board of Health Office

Vendor Application

SERVICES

$25.00

Purchase Your Commemorative Tote Bag Today!

Perfect for all of your Labor Day Parade Essentials!

The Labor Day Parade is a non-profit community celebration, all proceeds from the bags go directly into supporting the parade.

Spacious enough to hold -

Two large rolled beach towels

Two 40oz tumblers

Bug Spray

Sunscreen

and PLENTY MORE!

It's the perfect tote to keep everything you need close by while you enjoy the parade! Load it up and celebrate in style!

Help Us Make the 75th Annual Labor Day Parade One to Remember!

The Marlborough Labor Day Parade is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, organizations, families and community members. Sponsorships and donations help cover the costs of performers, bands, entertainment and other parade expenses.

For our 75th Anniversary Parade, the Committee has set a fundraising goal of $75,000. Donations are accepted year-round and we are currently seeking sponsors to help make the 2027 celebration a tremendous success.

Explore our sponsorship tiers below and join us in making the

75th Labor Day Parade a memorable celebration!

Be Part of 75 Years of Tradition

Sponsorship Tier Information

Honor Division Sponsor - $5,000 - $10,000

Escort Division Sponsor - $2,500 - $4,999

Military Division Sponsor - $1,000 - $2,499

Community Division Sponsor - $500 - $999

Friend of the Parade Sponsor - $1.00 - $499

Together, we can make the 75th Annual Marlborough Labor Day Parade a celebration to remember!

Thank You for Your Support

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the parade throughout the years. We look forward to celebrating this historic 75th anniversary with the entire Marlborough community.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or making a donation?

Please contact the Marlborough Labor Day Parade Advisory Committee for more information.

Marlborough Labor Day Event Advisory Committee - (MLDEAC)

laborday@marlborough-ma.gov

City of Marlborough

c/o Mayor's Office

140 Main Street

Marlborough, MA 01752

(508) 460-3770