Published in the June 10, 2019 edition.

WAKEFIELD — The West Side Social Club 4th of July Committee is pleased to announce this year’s theme for the annual children’s events held on the morning of July 4. The 2019 theme will be: American Heroes – 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 Thursday, July 4 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 4 children’s events are right around the corner,” 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 p.m. (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 concession 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 Upper and Lower Common.

“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 Events: 

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

7:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Children’s Fishing Derby ~ ages 2-14 (under 12 must be must be accompanied by an adult)

8 a.m. – Registration for Pet Show ~ Upper Common

8:30 a.m. – Pet Parade begins**

8:30 a.m. – Registration for Cart, Tricycle and Scooter Parade ~ Upper Common

9 a.m. – Cart, Tricycle and Scooter Parade Begins **

9:30 a.m. – Registration for Doll Carriage Parade ~ Upper Common

10 a.m. – Doll Carriage Parade Begins**

10:30 a.m. – Registration for Bicycle Parade ~ Upper Common

11 a.m. – Bicycle Parade Begins**

12 noon – Diaper Derby ~ crawling race ~ Lower Common followed by Children’s Races ~Toddlers through 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.

6:30 p.m. – Buckley Brothers Band

Words about 2019 Honoree ~ Beverly Elecwicz followed by patriotic songs

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks

Event ends immediately after fireworks display.