Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

New Friends of Hopkinton event to replace Family Fling

Families make their way around the Hopkinton Middle School gym during the Friends of Hopkinton’s Family Fling last spring. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Friends of Hopkinton organization is rolling out a new event this month that it hopes will find appeal with families and kids of all ages.

On the evening of March 21, the Friends group will hold its inaugural Fire & Light event on the Town Common. The free community event will include appearances by Hopkinton Police Department and Fire Department vehicles, live music, entertainment from LED performer Lady Blaze and a s’mores station. Hot chocolate will be provided as well.

Pat O’Brien, vice president of the Friends of Hopkinton, said that Fire & Light — named in reference to the inclusion of the LED performer and the HFD — is intended to replace the organization’s Family Fling event.

“Things kind of run their course,” O’Brien explained regarding the decision to discontinue the Family Fling. He added that the Friends came to realize the former event was geared toward families with younger children. Fire & Light aims to have a broader appeal.

O’Brien noted there were some obstacles to setting up the new event. The Friends sought out food trucks, but since the event is so new it was hard to convince them to participate. He added that the event is only for a few hours, which makes the sell to food truck owners difficult. The solution, he explained, is a partnership with BoMain, which will supply pizza for purchase throughout the evening.

Fire & Light takes over as the second of the Friends’ major events. The group runs the annual Family Day event on the high school athletic fields. O’Brien noted that Family Day brings in proceeds that help fund its spring event.

O’Brien added that the Friends are hopeful for seasonable weather, noting some concerns over how fast snow on the Town Common will melt. A backup date is planned in the event of inclement weather.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed appeared before the Select Board on Tuesday night to discuss elevated manganese levels detected in the town’s wells.

The Select Board on Tuesday heard from the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works and School Department regarding budget requests for fiscal year 2027.

This week’s Police Log features reports of a school bus swiping a truck, a missing person and a verbal argument over a wheelchair.

The latest Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on boys basketball senior Gavin Cho, a three-year varsity player and captain who coach Tom Keane describes as a “game-changer” in his defensive capabilities.

The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting Wednesday at the Hopkinton Public Library.

Town meetings tonight include the Charter Review Committee (7), Open Space Preservation Commission (7), Historic District Commission (7) and Cultural Council (7).

Photo of the Day

Coco, a miniature dachshund, trots down a path surrounded by snow banks.

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE