Time to celebrate

Published in the July 3, 2018 edition

 WAKEFIELD — Tomorrow we celebrate our nation’s birthday, and what a party Wakefield has planned!

From the traditional kids’ events hosted on the Common by the West Side Social Club and the always-entertaining Wakefield Independence Day Committee’s Fourth of July Parade, to the grand finale fireworks over Lake Quannapowitt, there will certainly be something for everyone.

 The July 4th events get underway early, with the annual Fishing slated to begin around 7:30.

For the West Side’s kids pageantry parades, the club’s 4th of July Committee has chosen as its theme: “Working together for a better world.” The theme is a guideline for the pet, tricycle, bicycle, scooter, cart, and doll carriage parades.

The Children’s Events will take place in the morning hours on Wednesday, July 4, beginning with the fishing derby, followed by the traditional children’s parades. The running races will begin at the completion of the parades, ending with the canoe-kayak races across Lake Quannapowitt.

“We are so happy the July 4 Children’s Events are right around the corner,” said a spokesperson. “This part of the celebration has always been a West Side Social Club favorite. The children’s creativity is simply amazing and once again we are looking forward to a fun-filled morning.”

The Wakefield Independence Day Committee’s Fourth of July Parade steps off at 4:30 p.m. from Quannapowitt Parkway, winding its way down North Avenue to Church Street to Common Street to Main Street. The reviewing stand will be in front of the Americal Civic Center.

Grand marshal Dr. Kim Smith, the now-retired superintendent of Wakefield’s public schools, will lead the 2018 Independence Day Parade. 

In the evening, the “Concert on the Common” will feature the very talented Buckley Brothers Band, performing an array of all time great songs for everyone to enjoy before the grand finale.

“Last year, the Buckley Brothers Band was so well received we decided to give it a go again. We are confident they will entertain the townspeople with their performance,” said the West Side’s 4th of July Committee spokesperson.

As usual, traditional patriotic tunes will entertain the crowed just before the start of the fireworks. “We are also pleased to announce that Dan Clark, the Singing State Trooper, will perform for the crowd. Ending the musical segment with patriotic songs brings the true meaning to the Fourth of July,” added the spokesperson.

The concert is slated to begin at 7 p.m.

As the finale, the spectacular fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting) over the shores of Lake Quannapowitt, and will be in honor of the late community activist Phyllis Hull.

Atlas Pyrotechnic has again been hired to provide the show and the West Side Social Club is looking forward to giving the townspeople a show to remember.

“A fabulous show is planned,” said the spokesperson, “so be prepared to witness the sky light up with breathtaking rockets in celebration of our nation’s independence,” the spokesperson continued.

And let’s not forget about great things to eat.

“Food concession stands will be available all day and we encourage everyone to come down and enjoy some of the various foods from the vendors,” added the spokesperson. The vendors are a combined effort of the WSSC 4th of July Committee and the Wakefield Independence Day Committee that will be located on both the Veterans Memorial and 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 in celebration of this year’s Fourth of July.”

Following is a schedule of the West Side’s 4th of July Committee events. 

7 a.m. – Registration for Fishing Derby, Lower Common **

7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Children’s Fishing Derby for ages 2-14 years. Under 12 must be must be accompanied by an adult

8 a.m. – Registration for Pet Show – Upper Common

**8:30 a.m. Pet Parade begins**

8:30 a.m. – Registration for Cart, Tricycle and Scooter Parade – Upper Common

**9 a.m. – Cart, Tricycle and Scooter Parade begins **

9:30 a.m. – Registration for Doll Carriage Parade – Upper Common

**10 a.m. – Doll Carriage Parade begins**

10:30 a.m. – Registration for Bicycle Parade – Upper Common

**11 a.m. – Bicycle Parade begins**

12 noon – Diaper Derby – Crawling race – Lower Common (babies not yet walking only)

Followed by Children’s Races:

**Toddlers through 12 years old and adult races**

1 p.m. – Canoe and Kayak Races – starting at the head of the Lake across to the Lower Common. Under 18 years of age must be must be accompanied an adult**

All events are weather permitting.

**In the event of passing showers, events may be delayed until showers pass.

**Prizes and trophies are awarded at the end of each event.

7 p.m. – Buckley Brothers Band

9 p.m. – Dan Clark, The Singing State Trooper

**Words about 2018 Honoree – In Memory of Phyllis Hull

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks. Event ends immediately after fireworks display.