Everything You Need To Know About The Stars & Stripes Over Framingham Event

The City of Framingham will host Stars & Stripes over Framingham on Friday, June 30 at Farm Pond Park. The family-friendly event which will feature entertainment and food, will conclude with a fireworks display over Farm Pond.

Mayor Charlie Sisitsky announced in his State of the City address in January he was bringing fireworks back to the community, and they will happen one week from today.

The professional fireworks are the same company that does the City of Boston’s fireworks, said Mayor Sisitsky.

“I wanted to create a community event, that everyone was excited about. There are sporting events in the city that generate excitement but few large community events. This is an event the young and the old can enjoy, those with families, young couples, basically everyone,” said Mayor Sisitsky.

The event is free to attend and free to park.

You can listen to the music, bring your own food, and watch the fireworks, at no cost. (There will be food trucks and food vendors to purchase food from, too)

The event is free thanks to sponsorships.

PATRIOTIC SPONSORS

• Rousseau Family
• La Cantina Ristorante
• Giblin Family Foundation
• Victor Grillo Jr
• TJX Companies
• Capital Group Properties & JBJ Construction
• Beta
• John Parsons
• Calare Properties

STAR SPONSORS

• Philip Ottaviani Jr.
• Roy S. MacDowell Jr.
• Brendon Giblin
• Adesa Boston
• Auto Bright Car Care
• Framingham Grant LLC
• Gabriele Brambilla & Ana Zanelli
• Francis Venuto Jr.
• Doug Stephan/McGovern Ford
• Nick Paganella
• The Experience

As this event is new, the City anticipated there would be a lot of questions. So, the City created the FAQ below, as well as a parking map, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

When & Where Can I Park?

Public lots will open at 3 p.m. Do not arrive early as you may be turned away.

There will be public parking at Cushing Memorial Park.

Entrance to these 2,500-plus parking spaces will be off Dr. Harvey Cushing Way. Spaces are first come and first serve, and are free.

There will also be parking at Keefe Technical High School. These spaces are free too. The only entrance for that parking will be on Fountain Street. You will not be able to access Keefe or Cushing parking lots from Winter Street.

See the maps in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. For parking locations and how to access them.

Is there handicap-accessible parking available?

Yes. There is a parking lot at the intersection of Dudley Road and Dr. Harvey Cushing Road with about 140 spaces, plus there are scores of additional spaces at Loring Arena.

Are there restricted parking areas?

Yes. There is no parking on Dr. Harvey Cushing Way, Fountain Street, or Winter Street. Vehicles parked on those roads are subject to be towed.

Parking on side streets off of Winter Street is restricted to the odd side of the road. Vehicles parked on even sides, that could impact emergency vehicles are subject to be towed. Framingham Police will be enforcing parking rules during this event.

Are there any roads that will be closed?

Yes, Dudley Road will be closed from Dr. Harvey Cushing Road to Fountain Street for all vehicles from 2 p.m. to midnight.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?

YES. This is a no alcohol event.

Bags are permitted but are subject to search.

Please feel free to bring chairs, blankets and picnics.

No tents, canopies, or umbrellas.

Leave hard coolers at home but soft coolers are permitted.

No glass containers.

No fire pits and no grilling will be allowed, per order of the fire department.

No sparklers.

No drones. The use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) anywhere in the area of the event is prohibited unless authorized by the Framingham Police Department.

There will be additional trash barrels but please consider taking home what you bring. Please don’t litter.

Will there be food?

Yes. There will be food trucks at Barbieri Elementary School, where you can purchase food and drink.

The food vendors will be serving from 3 p.m. until the fireworks begin.

There will be no food or drink service post fireworks.

What food trucks & food vendors will be there?

Confirmed and approved by the Framingham Health Department are:

• Kona Ice (Shaved Ice)
• Boston Nut Roasters (Lemonade, Pretzels)
• Refreshin’ Concessions (ice cream, snacks, drinks, gluten & dairy free options)
• Thee Taco Dude (TexMex)
• Sabor Latino (Latin American, gluten free & vegan options)
• Jackson Effie Coffee Cabin (hot & cold coffee & drinks)
• Velma’s Kettle Corn (popcorn)

We will update this list with additional food trucks/vendors once they are approved by the Framingham Health Department.

Will there be entertainment?

Yes.

Larry Bee & The Buzz is scheduled to perform on a stage across at Farm Pond Park at 5 p.m.

Afterwards, Night Camp will perform Classic Rock and British Invasion music

The final musical performance will be from the U.S. Navy Band Northeast’s Ceremonial Band &’ Rhode Island Sound’.

After the musical performances will be the fireworks.\

What Time Do the Fireworks Go Off?

Fireworks are scheduled to go off after 9 p.m.

Where will the fireworks go off?

The fireworks will be ignited from a barge in the middle of Farm Pond.

No boats, no kayaks, no canoes, no paddleboards, and no inflatable devices will be allowed in Farm Pond, per Framingham Fire and Framingham Police, who will be patrolling the water.

Where can I view the fireworks?

Viewing areas include Farm Pond Park, Cushing Memorial Park, Long Field Complex, and other areas along the pond.

Individuals will be prohibited from being on the train tracks or on the aqueduct path.

Will I be able to see the fireworks over the trees at Farm Pond?

Yes. The fireworks will go off about 400 feet in the air. That is above most of the tree line around the pond.

Cloud conditions however may impact visibility of the fireworks.

How long will the fireworks last?

About 20 minutes

Is there a rain date?

No.

Will the fireworks be delayed or postponed?

If there is lightning there may be a delay in the fireworks. If there is rain the firework can still happen. If there are winds above 20 miles per hour, the fireworks can not happen until the winds are below 20 miles per hour.

Is there a first-aid tent?

Yes. The Framingham Medical Reserve Corp will have a tent in front of Barbieri Elementary School. There will also be at least one ambulance on site.

If anyone gets lost from their group, the lost tent is next to the first-aid area.

Are there bathrooms?

Yes, there are portable bathrooms located throughout the area. (see maps in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. for those locations.)

Will the concert and fireworks be recorded?

The Stars & Stripes Over Framingham Event will be recorded by Access Framingham TV (AFTV) and aired at a later date on the following AFTV Cable Channels; Astound HD Channel 1100 • Astound (RCN) Channel 3 • Comcast Channel 9 • Verizon Channel 43

There will not be a live broadcast of the event.

If you want more information, please click here