Middleboro Select Board Halts Holiday Light Show Over Permitting and Unpaid Bills
MIDDLEBORO — A planned holiday drive-through light show at the Boston/Cape Cod KOA Holiday on Plymouth Street has hit a major roadblock.
During an intense meeting, the Middleboro Select Board issued a cease and desist letter regarding future ticket sales and demanded that event organizers refund all previously purchased tickets.
Matthew Glaser, CEO of the entertainment company BOLD Media, faced heavy criticism from board members for bypassing the proper permitting process. Despite police recommendations and lacking a formal application or special event permit—which is legally required for events lasting longer than four days—Glaser began selling 120 tickets for the November event as early as September.
Select Board Chair Teresa Farley expressed frustration, stating, “I don’t even have an application in front of me,” and noting her concern that tickets were being sold for an unauthorized event.
Board members and local residents also voiced serious concerns over potential traffic gridlock. Glaser projected that 5,000 to 6,000 cars would attend across 32 days, alarming officials about the impact on local thoroughfares like Precinct Street.
Police Chief Robert Ferreira strongly recommended against permitting the event, citing past issues from BOLD Media’s 2025 “fire and ice” event at the campground, which caused major traffic jams along Route 44. Ferreira also pointed out outstanding financial disputes, noting that BOLD Media had delayed paying $2,200 in police detail bills until September and only provided a check for the Fire Department on October 5.
While Glaser defended his planning efforts—claiming he consulted the Town Clerk, Board of Health, and public safety departments—he admitted he did not seek a special event permit from the Select Board. The exchange grew tense as Select Board member Brian Giovanoni called the situation a “farce,” prompting Glaser to retort, “I think the farce is your attitude.”
As Glaser walked out of Town Hall, he parted with the remark, “This is America.” Despite a large crowd of concerned neighbors showing up to oppose the event, the Select Board ultimately cut public comment short, noting that they had handled the issue.
