Billerica 250th Committee approves $12,000 bus contract for July 2 fireworks celebration

BILLERICA -- June 17, 2026, Billerica's 250th Committee approves $12,000 bus deal and finalizes vendor lineup two weeks before its July 2 fireworks celebration. The committee voted to authorize a shuttle bus contract with Eastern Buses at $600 per bus per day, half the standard rate, for up to 20 buses, capping total cost at $12,000 against an estimated retail value of $22,000 to $24,000, with one abstention. The committee also rejected $1,000-per-artist face painter quotes for the children's zone, instead booking bounce houses for roughly $1,500 and authorizing operational lead Chris Dillon to spend up to an additional $1,000 on carnival games without a return committee vote. A food vendor roster of approximately 13 vendors, including Augustus, Nutmeg Concessions, Mr. Jax barbecue, and the Coppola group, was confirmed, with all paperwork due the week before the event. The committee voted to order 250 commemorative T-shirts at $6.50 each, potentially sponsored by Augustus, to be shot into the crowd from an air cannon purchased by committee member John LaFosse.