It’s time for a birthday party!

Published in the July 3, 2017 edition

WAKEFIELD — It is supposed to be a picture perfect day tomorrow as Wakefield celebrates our nation’s 241st birthday.
There will be something for everything, from a judged doll carriage parade and kids’ races to a rocking good time on the Common and the always spectacular fireworks display over Lake Quannapowitt.
The Wakefield Independence Day Committee is again promising a great July 4th parade, which steps off from Quannapowitt Parkway at 4:30 p.m. Chairs lined much of the parade route this morning as people anticipate big things again this year.
The West Side Social Club (WSSC) 4th of July Committee has picked as its theme for the children’s events it runs on the Common “USA — United We Stand.”
A different theme is selected yearly for the children to decorate their tricycle, bicycle, scooter, cart, or doll carriage and participate in the early morning parades around the upper Veterans Memorial Common.
The WSSC’s events for children and adults are open to all. Residents of surrounding communities are welcome to participate in the day’s celebration and festivities in honor of our nation’s birthday.
The children’s events will take place in the morning hours on Tuesday, July 4, starting with the Fishing Derby and following through with the traditional Pet, Doll Carriage and Tricycle-Bicycle-Cart Parades, as well as the running races, and canoe-kayak races across Lake Quannapowitt.
“Each year we look forward to seeing the wonderful displays of patriotism at the children’s events,” said a spokesperson. “We are thrilled this annual event is right around the corner and are always amazed at the creative imaginations from the children who have decorated their entry to participate in the parades.”
(See detailed information below for times for the entire day’s events.)
Food concessions will be available throughout the day from a variety of vendors on both the upper and lower common as a combined effort of both the WSSC 4th of July Committee and the Wakefield Independence Day Committee.
In the evening, at 7 p.m., the “Concert on the Common” will feature 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 will entertain the crowed just before the start of the fireworks. “This year we are pleased to announce that Dan Clark, the Singing State Trooper, will once again perform for the crowd,” said the spokesperson. “Ending the musical segment of the event with patriotic songs before the start of the fireworks brings the true meaning to the Fourth of July.”
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 all attendees a show to remember. “The fireworks display has once again been upgraded,” added the spokesperson, “so be prepared for another show that will be long remembered as the best in the town of Wakefield.”
“There will be food concessions 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 upper Veterans Memorial Common 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.”
WEST SIDE SOCIAL CLUB 4TH OF JULY COMMITTEE
CHILDREN’S EVENTS ~ CONCERT ~ FIREWORKS
2017 Theme: USA – United We Stand
• 7 a.m.: Registration for Fishing Derby, Lower Common
• 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Children’s Fishing Derby on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt for ages 2-14 years. Those under 12 must be must be accompanied by an adult.
• 8 a.m.: Registration for Pet Show, Veterans Memorial Common. This is strictly a children’s event but adults should accompany very young children.
**8:30 a.m.: Pet Parade Begins**
• 8:30 a.m.: Registration for Cart, Tricycle and Scooter Parade, Veterans Memorial Common. As this is a children’s event, please ensure that the entry shows in some way that the child has actually contributed to the decorating.
**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, a crawling race: Lower Common (babies not yet walking only)
Followed by Children’s Races
**Toddlers through 12 years old, various age groups and ends with adult races**
1 p.m.: Canoe and Kayak Races. Start at the Head of the Lake (Colonel Connelly Park) across the lake to the Lower Common.
(Note: Those under 18 must be must be accompanied an adult; life jackets are required to participate).
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
EVENING EVENTS:
7 p.m.: Buckley Brothers Band
9 p.m.: Dan Clark – The Singing State Trooper
**Words about 2017 Honoree ~ Tom Collins
9:30 p.m.: FIREWORKS! Event ends immediately after fireworks display.