Meet Colby Lauria
photo: colby lauria
Some people leave their hometown the first chance they get, but Colby Lauria is betting on his. The South Shore native has spent the last few years building Marshvegas Festival into one of the region's biggest summer celebrations, complete with live music, local vendors and the delightfully competitive Lemonade Wars. We caught up with the young entrepreneur to talk about his ambitions, bar pizza order, and the eternal debate: Marylou's or Dunkin?
Where did the idea for Marshvegas Festival come from?
I set a goal in July 2022 that I wanted to host a festival at The Marshfield Fairgrounds. It became my North Star every time I doubted my next step. In a world of so many paths to choose career-wise, it made it simple to think “does this help put together a festival at the fairgrounds in 2027?” when making a decision.
What are some local acts you’d love to book for the festival?
Clairo. That’s the dream, she’s from Carlisle. Bebe Stockwell. Couch. I really wish I had booked Morrissey Boulevard and Aldous Collin’s Band for this year at Marshvegas Festival, just saw them live a little too late. Mileshigh & Dew Galvin on the EDM side of things, those two got the energy. I wanna work with DJ Lucas, too. And Shea. Somehow, some way.
What’s next for Marshvegas?
The Guinness World Record for most lemonade stands at an event. Also, branching into a new name. I have an idea I’ve been sitting on and like more and more each day. It’s full steam ahead once I have that name.
photo: colby lauria
What are some of your favorite local festivals?
The Marshfield Community Rib Cook Off. It’s a community festival that happens every year in September at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. Barbecue ribs for days and all the proceeds help children around the South Shore. Mojo Boston Music Festival just launched this year. I love what that team is doing and what they stand for. It goes without saying Levitate Music Festival is on the list. The Levitate brand brought a music festival to the Marshfield Fairgrounds long before Marshvegas Festival.
What’s your go-to for bar pizza?
Poopsie’s. Portnoy did the review wrong. He ordered takeout. That's not how you do it, you need to sit down and get the experience. Venus is a close second. Pizza shops, reach out and I’ll swing by.
What’s something the South Shore has that the North Shore can’t compete with?
North Shore has some really good roast beef. We have the Cohassett Sports Complex and Dairy Twist though. I’m not on the North Shore too often. I used to have a big-time crush on this girl while I was at St. Lawrence University. I believe she lives on the North Shore. They have her, I guess.
What’s one South Shore spot always worth a visit?
CabbyShack for thick clam chowder. And Poopsie's; sit down, bring cash, take your time.
Marylou’s or Dunkin?
How dare you ask me this. Medium caramel iced latte with whole milk is my Dunkin’s order 95% of the time. I like my milk with coffee, sue me. Marylou’s is whimsical though, sunshine and rainbows. I just don’t go often. Let’s go with Dunkin, specifically the one next to Sullivan’s Tire in Marshfield.
THE LOCAL’S LIST is a weekly series where we ask cool people doing cool things about their recent projects, favorite spots and New England hot takes. Know someone who should be featured? Nominate them (or yourself).
