Independence Day Celebrations: 2026 Road Race and Parade

This Chelmsford TV broadcast from July 5, 2026, covered the town's annual Independence Day celebrations, including the John Carson Road Race and the Fourth of July parade. The event featured extensive community involvement with over 2,000 runners participating in the road race, which benefits the John R. Carson Memorial Scholarship and several other local charitable organizations. The parade included numerous floats, marching bands, and community groups, supported by local sponsors such as Rockland Trust, Christopher's Towing, and others. The parade budget was noted to be approximately $60,000 to $70,000, covering costs for acts and logistics. The Chelmsford Housing Authority was also highlighted for its ongoing capital improvement projects, including a $20 million rehabilitation of McFarland Manor. The event was supported by multiple town departments including police, fire, and public works, which managed permits, road closures, and safety. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were detailed, but the discussion of budget and sponsorships indicates ongoing community and municipal funding efforts for these annual events and housing projects.