Published in the July 1, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Thanks to the great people with both the West Side Social Club’s Fourth of July Committee and the Wakefield Independence Day Committee, the town is going to celebrate our nation’s birthday in style again in 2016.
Everything will take place on Monday, July Fourth, the 240th anniversary of our independence from Great Britain.
Wakefield will have kids races, judged contests, a fishing derby, a two mile long late afternoon parade, an awesome concert on the Lower Common and, in a finale fit for the occasion, a fireworks display over Lake Quannapowitt.
The West Side people bring us the morning into early afternoon events, the live music and the fireworks. The Wakefield Independence Day Committee is in charge of the 5 p.m. parade.
Although all events are free, they certainly are not free to put on, and you will want to remember that Monday as you enjoy the town’s Fourth of July extravaganza.
The theme of the West Side Social Club Fourth of July Committee children’s events will be “WSSC – Patriotism through the Decades,” which will provide residents with the opportunity to choose a decade and decorate their children’s parade entries accordingly.
“With the West Side Social Club is celebrating its 80th Anniversary this year, the Fourth of July Committee decided to keep the celebration going for this year’s theme,” said a spokesperson. “Participants are encouraged to pick a decade of their choice and decorate their entry patriotically!
“We are looking forward to seeing the wonderful displays of patriotism at the Children’s Events,” continued the spokesperson. “We are thrilled this annual event is right around the corner and are looking forward to seeing the creative imaginations from the children who attend!”
The Children’s Events will take place in the morning hours on Monday, July Fourth starting with the Fishing Derby and following through with the traditional Pet, Doll Carriage, Tricycle-Bicycle-Cart, Running Races and Canoe-Kayak Races. Immediately following the children’s parades, the running races for all ages and Canoe-Kayak races across Lake Quannapowitt will begin.
See detailed information below for times of entire morning events.
At 7 p.m., the “Concert on the Common” will feature Wakefield’s own and very talented Natalie Joly. Natalie will be accompanied with a full band.
“Natalie performed last year in between sets on the Common and she certainly knows how to attract and entertain the crowd,” said the spokesperson. “We are certain another great performance will be in store for the concert goers before the fireworks”!
As usual, patriotic tunes will entertain the crowd just before the start of the fireworks.
“Ending the musical part of the event with patriotic songs just before the start of the Fireworks brings the true meaning to the Fourth of July,” said the spokesperson
As the finale, the spectacular fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting) over the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. Atlas Pyrotechnic has again been hired to provide the show and the WSSC is looking forward to giving the townspeople a show to remember.
“The fireworks display has been upgraded,” said the spokesperson, “so be prepared for a show that will be long remembered as one of the best in the Town of Wakefield!”
There will be a food concession available all day and all are encouraged to come down and enjoy some of the various foods from the vendors. The West Side Social Club Fourth of July Committee relies on food sales to help defray cost for the day long events. To help support the WSSC Fourth of July Committee come visit our vendors. They can be found on the lower half of Veterans Memorial Common and on the entire Lower Common.
“We are happy to provide a full day of family entertainment on the Fourth” concluded the spokesperson “And we are truly looking forward to seeing you throughout the entire day on the Common in celebration of this year’s Fourth of July!”
The West Side’s Fourth of July Committee does a great job every year putting together the celebration of our nation’s birthday and each year is better than the last.
SCHEDULE OF WSSC EVENTS
• 7 a.m.: Registration for Fishing Derby on the Lower Common. The Children’s Fishing Derby will be held from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. for those ages 2 to 14. Any youth under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• 8 a.m.: Registration for the Pet Show on the Veterans Memorial Common. The Pet Parade begins at 8:30 a.m.
• 8:30 a.m.: Registration for Cart, Tricycle and Scooter Parade on the Veterans Memorial Common. The Cart, Tricycle and Scooter Parade begins at 9 a.m.
• 9:30 a.m.: Registration for Bicycle Parade on the Veterans Memorial Common. The parade begins at 10 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m.: Registration for Doll Carriage Parade on the Veterans Memorial Common. The parade begins at 11 a.m.
• 12 noon: Diaper Derby, a crawling race, begins on the Lower Common followed by Children’s Races (toddlers through 12 years old) and Adult Races.
• 1 p.m.: Canoe and kayak races start at the head of Lake Quannapowitt, finishing at the Lower Common. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
In the event of showers, the events may be postponed until showers pass.
Prizes and trophies are awarded at the end of each event.
7 p.m.: Natalie Joly
9 p.m.: Words about 2016 Fireworks honoree and Past West Side Social Club President Roger Curran.
9:30 p.m.: Fireworks in memory of the late Roger Curran. Evening ends immediately after fireworks display.
—–
The town’s Fourth of July Parade will begin at 5 p.m. at Quannapowitt Parkway and will wend its way down North Avenue to Church Street, then Common Street onto Main Street. The reviewing stand will be in front of the Americal Civic Center. The parade ends at the Galvin Middle School.
There are plenty of wonderful attractions again this year, including marching bands, drum and bugle corps and oddity acts which make any parade a must see.
Have a great time Monday. The holiday we celebrate demands it.
