Every year our proud community of Foxborough comes together to celebrate our history and the founding of this town. This day, Founder’s Day, has become a rich tradition that this town loves dearly. Today, the celebration consists of a parade, field events, and concludes with an incredible firework display. But how did this tradition begin and what did it look like in its early years?

The first-ever Founders Day celebration occurred on June 13th, 1987, because it was the closest Saturday to the anniversary of the towns founding date, June 10th. It was hosted by the Foxborough Historical Society unlike today, where it is hosted by the Foxborough Founders Day Committee. The year of 1987 was a special year in this town because the statue on the top of Memorial Hall was refurbished. On June 13th, the Foxborough Historical Society got to display the new statue to the town residents before it was replaced on the top of the Hall. 

Like in modern times, Founders Day began with a parade! While the route was slightly different (starting at the American Legion Hall and concluding at Memorial Hall) it still had floats and marchers. The theme that year was: Keeping the Spirit of the Past Alive. Once the parade had finished, celebrations continued around town on the common, at the Boyden Library, and at the Union Church. There were also open houses at the Steamer Shed, Memorial Hall, and the Powder House.

On the common, Foxborough residents could get face painting, listen to live music including the Foxborough High School Jazz Ensemble, and much more. Even the Rotary Chuck Wagon was there! Across the street at the Boyden, was a slideshow presentation showing historic pictures of our town. 

All in all, the people in town loved this celebration and the Foxborough Historical Society heard many desires for this day to become a tradition. Lo and behold, it did become a tradition that residents hold dear to their hearts. While there have been slight modifications over the years to the celebration, the purpose of bringing the people of the town together for a day to celebrate our community and its founding still reigns true.

Written by Maggie McAuliffe