Have fun to fund having fun!

by Glenn C. Koenig, Webmaster at Town Wide Mall

Maynard, MA - An annual Fall tradition in Maynard kicks off this month with the "Maynard Fall Ball."  The Ball is an event to raise funds for the Maynard Holiday Parade, scheduled for later on in December.  Residents are invited to both events, which promise to be just as much fun as they have been in the past.  Proceeds from ticket sales and activities at the Ball go to defer the costs of hosting the parade, which is free for anyone to attend.  The parade will include bands, costumed characters, and special guests, all of which must be paid for with funds raised in advance.

The Fall Ball will take place on Saturday, October 26th, just a few weeks from now.  Tickets are already on sale and can be purchased by visiting the official Holiday Parade web site:
https://www.lightuptheholidaysmaynard.com ... and scrolling down to the "Buy Tickets" button. This year, the ball will be held at a new location, The Maynard Elks, located at 34 Powder Mill Road. The Ball is open to anyone, 21 years of age or older.

Doors will open at 7:00 PM, with the band starting at 8:00 PM.  The event wraps up at 11:00 PM.  Tickets are $35 per person, with 100% of the proceeds going to fund the parade in December.
"It is a fun event where costumes are welcomed, but not necessary to attend. You can come in jeans, a costume, or even in your pajamas!" explained Jen Picorelli, the event's director.  Residents are invited to, "enjoy the evening with us while raising money for a beloved tradition here in our fabulous little town of Maynard," she said. The band "Westwood Junction" will play throughout the night to provide music for dancing and socializing.

In addition to music and dancing, KBK Sports, an auction company, will be present with auction items, including Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots signed memorabilia and collectibles.  Although KBK will be compensated with a customary commission for setting up and running the auction, 75% of the funds spent on auction items by attendees will go directly to help fund the parade.  There will also be a raffle, the winner of which will be treated to a ride in the helicopter that carries Santa in the sky over the parade.

For those with Facebook Accounts, there is an extensive thread of past events and parades on the Parade account there:
https://www.facebook.com/58thMaynardHolidayParade
For anyone who cannot attend the Fall Ball, but wishes to make a donation in support of the parade, there is a Venmo account (use QR code at right).

For questions or further details, please contact Jen Picorelli, Maynard Holiday Parade Director, at 978-290-6373 or by e-mail at [email protected]

The Parade

This year, the Holiday Parade will be held on Sunday, December 8th.  The "Maynard Holiday Village," a new feature this year, will open at noon in Memorial Park.  The parade itself will start at 2:00 PM. In the event of rain or severe weather, the parade will be rescheduled to December 15th.

Also, before the parade begins, there will be a food collection to "help restock the shelves of our programs in town that help our neighbors who struggle with food insecurity. The Maynard Food Pantry, Open Table, and The Maynard Backpack Program will receive 100% of the collection," according to the organizers.

As in years past, Santa himself will be flying over downtown via helicopter before the parade begins, waving to and welcoming parade goers to the parade route.
More details regarding the parade are available at the official parade web site:
https://www.lightuptheholidaysmaynard.com

Note:  This story includes promotional information from a press release received by Town Wide Mall from the event's organizers.  Some photographs are courtesy of the Maynard Police Department.