YOUR LOCAL WORCESTER DIGEST
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Happy Independence Day, Wormtown!
Get ready to paint the town red, white, and blue! This week, we're diving headfirst into all things Fourth of July, celebrating our nation's independence with a bang (and maybe a few hot dogs).
From dazzling lakeside fireworks in Webster and Worcester's grand celebration to historical reenactments in Sturbridge and lively parades in Grafton, Central Mass. is buzzing with ways to mark the occasion. There's something for every patriot, big or small!
So grab your picnic blankets, wave your flags, and join your neighbors in celebrating freedom and community. Remember to check event details for times and locations, and let's make this a truly memorable holiday weekend.
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In This Week's Issue:
- Wormtown's Weekend Fireworks Guide
- Parades, Picnics & Patriotism
- Step Back in Time: Historical Celebrations
- Local Beats for Your Holiday Weekend
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Wormtown Wormtown's Favorite Fourth of July Tradition?
Other than fireworks, what's your absolute favorite way to celebrate Independence Day?
Whether you're a parade enthusiast, a history buff, or just in it for the spectacular light show, our region offers a smorgasbord of patriotic fun. Let us know what truly sparks your holiday spirit!
One tap records your answer and takes you to our confirmation page.
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What’s moving and shaking in Worcester County
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Consigli Building Group Celebrated as Central Mass.'s Largest Employee-Owned Company
Consigli Building Group, headquartered in Milford, is being recognized for its 121-year legacy and its status as Central Massachusetts's largest employee-owned company. A recent article highlights the company's transition to employee ownership and its continued success in the region.
Why it matters: Highlights a prominent Central Massachusetts business and its unique employee-ownership model, showcasing local economic success.
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Senior Connection Advances $20M Grandfamily Housing Project in Worcester
Worcester-based nonprofit Senior Connection recently purchased land at 264 Stafford Street for $765,000, marking a key step in its $20-million capital campaign to build housing for grandparents and other relatives raising children. Construction for the grandfamily housing development is anticipated to begin in the summer or fall of 2027.
Why it matters: Major housing development project addressing a specific community need, with a recent milestone achieved.
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Tentative Agreement Reached on Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget
Top House and Senate budget negotiators reached a tentative agreement on a roughly $63.4 billion fiscal year 2027 annual budget on June 29, 2026. The deal, which does not include new taxes or fees, is expected to be voted on by both branches on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the first day of the new fiscal year.
Why it matters: Significant state-level economic and government news that will impact businesses and communities across Central Massachusetts.
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Worcester to Make $10.5 Million Wastewater Payment to Holden on July 1
As part of a settlement agreement, the City of Worcester is scheduled to make a $10.5 million payment to the Town of Holden on July 1, 2026. This is the second installment of a $35.5 million settlement related to excessive wastewater transport charges that Holden alleged against Worcester.
Why it matters: Significant financial news impacting two Central Massachusetts municipalities, with a payment due within the issue window.
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MassLive Media Group to Host Open Houses and Reporter Round Tables in Worcester
MassLive Media Group, which recently opened its downtown Worcester office, will be hosting open houses and reporter round tables throughout July and August. These events will offer the community an opportunity to meet staff and experience the new collaborative workspace.
Why it matters: A local media outlet engaging with the community and showcasing its new presence in downtown Worcester.
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Worcester City Council Considers $1.4M Tax Break for Canal District Apartment Project
The Worcester City Council is reviewing a proposed 10-year tax-increment exemption worth approximately $1.4 million for GFI Partners. This tax break would support a planned 197-unit apartment building at 39 Green Island Boulevard in the Canal District, with construction anticipated to begin this summer.
Why it matters: Significant development in a key growth area of Worcester, with ongoing city council consideration and anticipated summer construction.
Read more →
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Mark your calendars, Wormtown
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Here is what is coming up in Wormtown and the suburbs.
Webster Fireworks at Memorial Beach
Enjoy a distinctive lakeside fireworks display. Gates to the beach open at 5:00 PM.
Date: Thu, Jul 2, 2026 · 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM ET
Location: Webster, MA
Event details →
Independence Celebration - Sturbridge
Step back in time to experience 18th-century Independence Day traditions with fife and drum music, cannon demonstrations, a parade, poetry readings, Declaration of Independence reading, period games, and skilled artisans. The event runs July 4-6.
Date: Sat, Jul 4, 2026 · 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET
Location: Sturbridge, MA
Event details →
Grafton Fourth of July Parade
Grafton’s annual Fourth of July Parade includes food, music, floats, and family-friendly fun. The Doggie Mayor of Grafton announcement is at 9:45 AM, the parade arrives at the Common at 10:00 AM, and the Grafton Farmers Market begins at 10:30 AM.
Date: Sat, Jul 4, 2026 · 9:45 AM ET
Location: North Street Elementary School to Grafton Common, Grafton, MA
Event details →
Polar Park Fourth of July Family Fest
Polar Park hosts its Fourth of July Family Fest with activities around the ballpark from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, a 7:00 PM showing of Field of Dreams, and fireworks after the movie. Activities include family entertainment, inflatables, Touch-A-Truck, face painting, balloon artists, and more. Tickets start at $5 for kids and $10 for adults in advance.
Date: Sat, Jul 4, 2026 · 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET
Location: Polar Park, 100 Madison St., Worcester, MA
Event details →
Great American Picnic: Oxford's 250th Celebrations
A hometown celebration filled with food, friends, and community pride, honoring 250 years of history.
Date: Sun, Jul 5, 2026 · 1:00 PM ET
Location: Oxford, MA
Event details →
Milford Independence Day Fireworks
A fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day.
Date: Sun, Jul 5, 2026 · 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM ET
Location: Milford, MA
Event details →
Got an Event Coming Up?
Whether it is a craft fair, a concert, or a community gathering, share it here.
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Your next best friend is waiting
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Meet Cataleya
3 years, 1 month • Female • Pit Bull Terrier/Mix
Just like the orchid she's named after, Cataleya is a beautiful, resilient soul who shines wherever she goes. This 3-year-old pittie embodies the qualities of the Cataleya flower-strength, beauty, and the ability to thrive through life's challenges.
Cataleya is a happy, bouncy girl who approaches each day with enthusiasm and a wagging tail. She loves being around people and is always ready for her next adventure, especially if treats are involved! Her food motivation makes her a great candidate for training, and she's eager to learn in exchange for a tasty reward. Cataleya may enjoy living with with older kids and dogs of her size, but they would have to meet first.
She has shown more interest in chasing and pouncing on small dogs than being housemates. With her playful spirit, loving heart, and zest for life, Cataleya is sure to bring joy and energy to her future family. If you're looking for a fun-loving companion who will keep you smiling and remind you to embrace every day with excitement, Cataleya is ready to bloom in her forever home.
Adoption details
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This week’s best local stages
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Fresh picks across Wormtown and the suburbs. Save these dates and support your local venues.
SkyRise's Original Musical Stone Age Performance
Date: Thu, Jul 2, 2026 · 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM ET
Location: 76 Otis St., Westborough, MA
Join the performers of SkyRise's Original Musical Stone Age for their performance.
Show details →
Matt Brodeur at Westborough Farmers Market
Date: Thu, Jul 2, 2026 · 2:15 PM to 4:00 PM ET
Location: Bay State Commons, 1100 Union St., Westborough, MA
Enjoy live music from Matt Brodeur during the Westborough Farmers Market. The market runs from 2:15 PM to 4:00 PM at Bay State Commons.
Show details →
Sturbridge Summer Concert Series: SPF4 (The Sun Protection Factor Four)
Date: Thu, Jul 2, 2026 · 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET
Location: Main St., Sturbridge, MA
Kicking off the season with SPF4, bringing the sounds of classic instrumental surf rock to the Town Common.
Show details →
Concert: An Enchanting Evening of Nordic Folk Music
Date: Thu, Jul 2, 2026 · 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET
Location: West Boylston, MA
An enchanting evening of Nordic folk music.
Show details →
Tim Leavitt in Dante's at Firefly's BBQ
Date: Fri, Jul 3, 2026 · 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET
Location: Marlborough, MA
Free live music performance by Tim Leavitt.
Show details →
The Overlook's Summer Concert Series: Jim Porcella & In the Pocket - Jazz Quartet
Date: Tue, Jul 7, 2026 · 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET
Location: 88 Masonic Home Rd., Charlton, MA
Tuesdays strike the right chord at our Summer Concert Series – a perfect harmony of great music, good company, and warm summer nights. Featuring Jim Porcella & In the Pocket - Jazz Quartet.
Show details →
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Thank you, Wormtown
That's all for this week's Wormtown Weekly! Have a safe and joyous Fourth of July, Central Mass. We'll see you next week, ready to dive into more local happenings. Stay local, stay connected!
Team Wormtown Weekly
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