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.