WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield Independence Day Committee (WIDC) has completed most of the major tasks necessary to put on a great Fourth of July Parade. But there is still a lot to do in the less than 40 days remaining between now and the Fourth of July.
There are still five fundraisers that will help pay for the more than two dozen marching bands and drum corps’.
• There are donation envelopes for the WIDC and the West Side Social Club (WSSC) in the May WMGLD bills. A donation to the WIDC will help pay for the parade. A donation to the WSSC will help pay for the fireworks, the band and the children’s activities that take place on the Fourth of July. A donation to either group will help make Wakefield’s Independence Day celebration the best in the state.
• There is a Dockside fundraiser on June 3 from 5 to 10 p.m. Twenty five percent of all receipts from customers with a flyer will go to the WIDC. Flyers are available on the WIDC website (www.julyparade.com) or from a WIDC committee member.
• The Stars of Wakefield talent show will be at The Savings Bank Theatre at the high school on Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at Smith Drug, Hart’s Hardware and at the door.
• On June 28 from 5 to 10 p.m. at King’s, 20 percent of all receipts from customers with a flyer will go to the WIDC. Flyers will be available on the WIDC website (www.julyparade.com) or from a WIDC committee member two weeks before the event.
• The WIDC is currently soliciting donations from local businesses. The generosity of local businesses has traditionally been the largest fundraiser for the parade.
Stop by and visit them on June 13 at the Festival by the Lake between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Representatives will also have a booth at the opening weekend of the Farmers Market on June 20 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The WIDC is looking for enterprising youth to carry signs and clean up after the marching horses during the parade. Look for their ad in the Item in June.
Groups interested in marching or entering a float should contact Cheryl Dalton at Cheryl.Dalton@JulyParade.org There is no fee to march or enter a float and there will be prizes awarded to the best floats.
There are still spaces available for food vendors. All vendors must sign up in advance. Vendors without prior approval will have to leave.
A lot of effort goes into producing a parade but come July 4 they hope that you’ll agree that it is worth the effort.
See you at the parade!
