Friday, July 26, 2024, dawned with bright sunshine and less humid air and early risers saw what looked like a circus that had come to town. The FCC Green was turned into a remote TV studio as Fox 25 Boston hosts Gene Lavanchy and Shiri Spear broadcast live from 6 – 10 am.
The broadcast included prerecorded and live interviews highlighting Holliston’s people, businesses, schools, and our 300th celebration.
In April of this year, representatives from Fox 25 contacted Assistant Town Administrator (ATA) Kathleen Buckley (below left) to explore the possibility of hosting a Zip Trip in Holliston. ATA Buckley quickly engaged the Town’s Economic Development Coordinator Melanie Hamblen (below right) to further explore the potential for our community. Holliston leaders saw this as an opportunity to highlight our anniversary year and the implementation of our Strategic Plan, represented by Envision Future Holliston Committee Vice-chair Stacey Raffi (center below).
Two newly created graphics were proudly displayed and can be seen more clearly below (and here).
ATA Buckley worked closely with other Town leaders to arrange for the use of the green and other logistics that would minimize disruptions for the community daycare as well as traffic through downtown.
Fox 25 selected some local businesses to feature during the broadcast which included the setting up of display booths around the church’s circular drive, below.
In addition, the station invited some regional vendor partners to set up shop for the morning.
Live interviews from under the big top and around the green featured Town officials, local businesses, musical and dance performances, and the star of the show, Toby the six-year-old Bassett Hound (below)
Above, Toby’s owner, Scott (with the cap), is trying to give the star direction from afar. Ultimately, Scott joined Gene and Toby on the bench. The cameraman to Scott’s left has a very famous name, Andy Devine (for those in a certain age group).
Below, Select Board Chair Tina Hein, along with her husband Travis, prepares for her on air interview. Her prep included selecting just the right “Dad Joke” to deliver while talking with Gene. She nailed it!
The man who has “most everything”, John Paltrineri from Fiske’s General Store, talked with Shiri about his venerable downtown business and the wares he had on display (shown earlier above) for our 300th.
Students from Holliston High’s music department performed and received a $2,500 donation from Ernie Boch, Jr. Willow Brook Farm brought two horses, one for Shiri to ride, and were featured later in the live broadcast.
ATA Buckley shared that feedback since the broadcast has been very positive and that she hopes more people will plan day trips to explore Holliston. From this reporter’s vantage point, it certainly was a great day for Holliston and all it has to offer!
For more information on Fox 25’s Zip Trips and clips from the Holliston visit click here -> https://www.boston25news.com/specials/ziptrips/
For more information regarding Holliston’s Community Profile click here -> https://www.townofholliston.us/community-profile
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