Published in the July 5, 2017 edition

THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA MARCHING BAND from Cape Cod brought some color to yesterday’s parade. (Mark Sardella Photo)

THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA MARCHING BAND from Cape Cod brought some color to yesterday’s parade. (Mark Sardella Photo)

WAKEFIELD — This grand old town played host to thousands of people during a day long July Fourth celebration yesterday that included activities for kids and their parents, the traditional parade, a concert and a night-ending, 20-minute fireworks display by Atlas Pyrotechnic over Lake Quannapowitt.
Organizers with the West Side Social Club’s Fourth of July Committee and the Wakefield Independence Day Committee could not have asked for better weather. Humidity was low and there was plenty of cool shade on the Veterans Memorial Common as the West Side ran the annual children’s events like the judged Pet Show and various parades of decorated bikes, carriages and the like.
The theme of those events was “USA — United We Stand.”
“Each year we look forward to seeing the wonderful displays of patriotism at the children’s events,” said a spokesperson. “We are always amazed at the creative imaginations from the children who have decorated their entry to participate in the parades.”
After that, the West Side organized races on both water and land, the results of which appear beginning on Page 3 of today’s Item.
Finned beauties were pulled from Lake Quannapowitt during the West Side’s annual Fishing Derby, which saw one young participant land an 8 pound, 5 ounce carp.
The parade, organized by the Wakefield Independence Day Committee, left Quannapowitt Parkway around 4:30 p.m., led by some Wakefield Fire apparatus. After a time, parade Grand Marshal Sal Orifice, owner of the Wakefield Bowladrome, came by in a horse drawn white carriage.
There was plenty to see and do. The parade had four divisions and featured such regular participants as the Middlesex County Fife and Drums, the 74th Highland Rigiment, Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps of Nashua, NH, Tony Barrie Marching Band, the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps of Iowa, the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps, the Jambalaya Jazz Bands, the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps, the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps and the Spirit of America Marching Band.
Food concessions were available throughout the day from a variety of vendors on both the Veterans Memorial and Lower Common as a combined effort of both the WSSC 4th of July Committee and the Wakefield Independence Day Committee.
At 7 p.m., the “Concert on the Common” featured the talented Buckley Brothers Band, bringing an array of all time great music for everyone to enjoy before the grand finale of fireworks.
As usual, patriotic tunes entertained the crowed just before the start of the fireworks.
As the finale, the spectacular fireworks display began right at 9:30 p.m. over the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. Atlas Pyrotechnic was again hired to provide the show, and it was very impressive. By 9:50 the show had concluded with a spectacular final burst of light and sound. Well after that, various fireworks could be heard throughout town.
A West Side Fourth of July Committee spokesperson said before this year’s activities, “We are happy to provide a full day of family entertainment on the Fourth.”
Mission accomplished. By both the West Side and the Wakefield Independence Day Committee.