The Town of Southborough Tricentennial Committee discussed a proposal Oct. 8 to scale up an existing Summer Nights concert into a larger tricentennial community barbecue and music festival.

Keith, who has been coordinating event research, reported he had spoken with local DJs, bands and Recreation Department staff and was considering a format with three to five bands performing across a four-to-five hour afternoon/evening window, capped by a drone show or fireworks. Potential venues discussed included Chestnut Hill Farm, Mooney Field or other town properties; Tricentennial organizers said venue selection would depend on crowd-size expectations, parking and permitting.

Travis, recreation department staff who joined the meeting online, described experience with First Night/First Day and large community events in other towns and suggested leveraging town-run Summer Nights logistics (which sometimes attract thousands) rather than building a wholly separate operation. Travis recommended hiring an experienced stage manager or DJ to coordinate band transitions and suggested vendors such as food trucks and family entertainment (face painters, balloon artists) to broaden appeal.

Committee members agreed the next step is to coordinate with the Recreation Department (Travis) to review logistics, estimate costs and determine safety and police/detail requirements; Keith will return with cost estimates and a more detailed plan for committee review. No contract or purchase approvals were made at the meeting.