Published in the July 3, 2019 edition.

WAKEFIELD — The West Side Social Club and the Wakefield Independence Day Committee have some big plans for our nation’s birthday celebration tomorrow, and they all add up to another Fourth of July spectacular!

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

The parade steps off this year at 5 p.m., and marches down North Avenue, turning onto Church Street, heading to Common Street and then on to Main Street through the Square. The parade ends at the Galvin Middle School.

The local Independence Day events begin around 7:30 in the morning with the annual kids’ Fishing Derby put on by the West Side Social Club.

For the West Side’s pageantry parades on the Veterans Memorial Common, the club has decided as its theme “American Heroes: The 75th Anniversary of D-Day.” The theme is a guideline for decorating all entries to the Pet, Tricycle, Bicycle, Scooter, Cart, and Doll Carriage parades.

The Children’s Events will take place in the morning hours on Wednesday, July 4th 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 4th Children’s Events are here,” said a spokesperson. “This part of the celebration has always been a West Side Social Club favorite. Seeing the children’s creativity is simply wonderful. The children do an amazing job, decorating their Bikes, Scooters, Carts, sometimes making it difficult for the judges to choose the top three. We are looking forward to seeing families participate in the WSSC tradition that has been going on for decades!”

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! “The last two years, 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 spokesperson. “We are disappointed to announce that Dan Clark, who has performed patriotic songs for many years for the WSSC, is unable to attend this year’s concert due to a prior commitment,” added the spokesperson, “but rest assured, there will be patriotic songs to bring the true meaning of our Nation’s Birthday prior to the Fireworks Display.”

The concert is slated to begin a bit earlier this year, at 6:30 p.m.

As the finale, the spectacular fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:30 pm (weather permitting) over the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. 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. “Another magnificent 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.”

Food concessions 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 Commons.

“We are happy to once again 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”!

SCHEDULE
OF
WEST
SIDE
SOCIAL
CLUB
ACTIVITIES

• 7 a.m.: Registration for Fishing Derby ~ Lower Common **

• 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Children’s Fishing Derby ~ ages 2-14 years

Under 12 must be must be accompanied by an adult 

• 8 a.m.: Registration for Pet Show ~ Veterans Memorial Common

• 8:30 a.m.: Pet Parade begins**

• 8:30 a.m.: Registration for Cart, Tricycle and Scooter Parade ~ Veterans Memorial Common

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

• 9:30 a.m.: Registration for Doll Carriage Parade ~ Veterans Memorial Common

• 10 a.m.: Doll Carriage Parade begins**

• 10:30 a.m.: Registration for Bicycle Parade ~ Veterans Memorial Common

• 11 a.m.: Bicycle Parade begins**

• 12 noon: Diaper Derby ~ crawling race ~ Lower Common followed by Children’s Races ~Toddlers thru 12 Years old and Adult Races**

• 1 p.m.: Canoe and kayak races ~ Starting at the Head of the Lake to the Lower Common ~ Under 18 years of age must be must be accompanied an adult

**Weather permitting

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

**Prizes and Trophies are awarded at the end of each event