COL. BAILEY’S 2nd Massachusetts Regiment fires off a round during the parade. (Mark Sardella Photo) 

WAKEFIELD — What’s a little rain?

Nothing could interfere with the town’s July Fourth celebration yesterday, as patriotic activities took place at the Common in the morning, the annual parade stepped off at 5 p.m., music was enjoyed in the early evening, and it was all followed by a spectacular fireworks display above Lake Quannapowitt to cap off a busy, if occasionally wet, holiday.

The West Side Social Club’s Fourth of July Committee was at it early, hosting a Fishing Derby for kids at 7 a.m. Youngsters patiently cast lines, with winners landing sunfish, yellow perch, white perch and large mouth bass.

The theme of the West Side’s events this year was “Bringing America Together,” an important message that was built into the morning children’s parades that impressed many on the Common.

 

THE STATE CHAMPION Wakefield Warrior football team was a big hit at the July 4th Parade. (Mark Sardella Photo)

After the kids’ promenades, various races were held on the Lower Common, and the Nardones took first place (again!) in the annual Canoe Race.

After a break in the action — during which the skies opened up and the rain came down — the community convened for the Wakefield Independence Day Committee’s Fourth of July parade, which left from Quannapowitt Parkway, winding its way from North Avenue to the reviewing stand near the Americal Civic Center. The rain stopped just as the parade began.

Among the featured parade participants was the state champion Warrior football team.

Veterans who took part in the parade were given a sustained ovation from the crowd in front of the Beebe Library.

The parade lasted about two hours.

The WSSC’s Fourth of July Committee resumed its activities with a 7 p.m. concert by the Buckley Brothers Band at the Common, and at 9 p.m. there were words about 2023 WSSC events Honoree Jim Scott, a raffle drawing was held then America’s favorite patriotic songs and other numbers were performed by Singing Trooper Dan Clark.

The fireworks display went off around 9:25 p.m. and lasted a solid half hour, with families enjoying the sights and sounds of the July Fourth finale.