5 Things for Aug. 10: Gambling in Plainville, Kraft Group Partners with Cross Insurance, Mini Carnival and More

Editor's note: Five Things You Need To Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. If you know of something happening in town that did not make our list, please add it in the comment section!

1. Chance of Showers Otherwise a High Near 80

Today’s weather in Foxborough, according to the National Weather Service based in Taunton, calls for a slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 10 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

2. Cross Insurance and The Kraft Group Announce New Sponsor

The Kraft Sports Group and Cross Insurance, a subsidiary of Cross Financial Corporation, and one of New England’s largest insurance providers, announced this week a comprehensive partnership that recognizes Cross Insurance as the official insurance broker of the New England Patriots, New England Revolution and Gillette Stadium.

“Cross Insurance is proud to partner with the Kraft Sports Group, an organization that epitomizes a tradition of honesty and integrity,” said Jonathan Cross, Executive Vice President, Cross Insurance. “As we continue to grow our business in New England, we are thrilled to be associated with the Krafts and their family of nationally-recognized brands. This partnership with the New England Patriots, the New England Revolution and Gillette Stadium exemplifies how two solid New England brands can create a beneficial relationship in the marketplace.”

In addition to proudly serving as the Official Insurance Broker of the Kraft Sports Group, Cross Insurance will maintain a visible presence at Patriot Place and Gillette Stadium throughout the 2012 NFL and MLS seasons. 

“We are proud to be partnering with Cross Insurance, a business built by three generations of the Cross family, with strong New England ties and solid business relationships,” said Murray Kohl, Vice President, Kraft Sports Group. “We look forward to working with the Cross family and continuing to build on our relationship with Cross Insurance.”

The agreement includes Cross Insurance signage at Gillette Stadium and designation as official insurance broker of the New England Patriots, New England Revolution and Gillette Stadium.

3. President of Plainridge Racecourse Harness Track in Plainville Eager to Apply for Slot Parlor License

According to Boston.com, Gary T. Piontkowski, president of Plainridge Racecourse harness track in Plainville was expected to apply for the sole slot parlor license created by the state’s 2011 casino law on Thursday for Plainridge. The law also creates three licenses for larger gambling resorts; no more than one resort license can be issued in each of three regions of the state. Piontkowski told Boston.com he has ­already begun negotiations with Plainville officials on an agreement for the town to ­accept up to 1,250 slot ­machines at the track. To read more of Boston.com’s story, click here.

4. Events:

• 11 a.m. - Summer Sensation 2012 - Kidville Karnival: Come one, come all, to the Kidville presented carnival at the Patriot Place Activity Center. This mini carnival is perfect for your little ones featuring games, prizes, balloons, face painting and more.
• 7-9 p.m. - Tastings Wine Bar & Bistro – VinOlympics: Tastings wines continue to compete in the VinOlympics featuring five wine varietals. Twenty wines from seven different countries will compete for the closing ceremony gold medal award.
• 8 p.m. - Big Brother & The Holding Company at Showcase Live: Evolving out of the San Francisco rock scene of the mid-1960s, Big Brother was in the forefront of the psychedelic music movement.
• 9:30 p.m. - Country Mile at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill: New England’s country music, dance party and show band plays what is called “kicking” kind of country music with foot-stomping covers and danceable original music.

5. Tax Free Holiday in Massachusetts is This Weekend

The tax-free holiday will run from Saturday, Aug. 11 to Sunday, Aug. 12, and will allow customers of most retail outlets the chance to stock up on items without the added sales tax. Excluded from the tax holiday are restaurant meals, cars, motorboats, tobacco and any item that costs more than $2,500.

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