COMMUNITY EVENTS Applefest 5K run/walk returns to Northborough roads

By Ed Karvoski Jr.

Contributing

Writer

NORTHBOROUGH - Nearly 300 runners and walkers registered to participate in the annual Applefest 5K Road Race on Sept. 18. The route began and ended at Melican Middle School.

Two Northborough residents earned the top achievements.

Pierre Massat of Northborough finished first overall in 19:21. Kaitlin Johnson of Northborough was the first-place female, finishing in 22.09.

To comply with 2020’s pandemic restrictions, last year’s 5K road race took place as a virtual event. This year, participants were given the option of doing the race online.

Proceeds went to Boros Cares 4 Troops (BC4T), which has organized the 5K since 2019.

BC4T is a nonprofit that supports military veterans’ causes. The organization was founded in 2015 by Northborough residents Leslie Arsenault, Karen Brewster, Beth Davison and Michelle Gillespie, the Applefest chair.

Among BC4T’s current projects are a veterans’ food pantry and Hometown Heroes banners displayed on town light poles that depict Northborough service members. Learn more about BC4T at bc4t.org and facebook.com/ wearebc4t. For more photos, visit communityadvocate.com.

Evening BBQ, concert, fireworks return to Northborough’s Applefest

By Ed Karvoski Jr. Contributing Writer

NORTHBOROUGH - After a two-year hiatus, an evening celebration featuring a barbecue, concert, fireworks and other activities returned Sept. 18 to Northborough’s 31st annual Applefest. Festivities took place at the Algonquin Regional High School athletic fields.

This Applefest event was canceled in 2019 and 2020 due to EEE risk and pandemic restrictions, respectively.

Once again manning this year’s barbecue were members of two Northborough organizations: Knights of Columbus St. Augustine Council 5724 and Challenger Sports. Pizza was available from the Applefest Committee. Providing live music was the band known as Hit the Bus with lead vocalist David Garden. He’s a Southborough native now residing in Shrewsbury and a 1997 Algonquin alum.

The Algonquin’s Robotics Team entertained and educated attendees of all ages with interactive demonstrations. Meanwhile, Algonquin’s National Honor Society members oversaw inflatable amusements and a cotton candy booth.

Boy Scout Troop 1 challenged young attendees to balance themselves on a monkey bridge of tied rope pieces.

A number of community organizations and businesses made other activities available. Pony rides were a popular offering.

The evening concluded with a fireworks display.

For more photos, visit communityadvocate.com.