Cancelled: No Fireworks Festivities At Robbins Farm Park This Year In Arlington

ARLINGTON,MA — It's almost Fourth of July and that means fireworks and for hundreds of residents and visitors that's often synonymous with Robbins Farm. For decades Robbins Farm has been the place for people to come and sit and watch Boston's Fireworks go off, and for the past decade or so, the Friends of Robbin's Farm have rolled in a big screen after a day's festival there to simulcast the pops on the esplanade.

But not this year. The Fourth of July festival sponsored by the Friends of Robbins Farm Park is cancelled this year.

"This is breaking news, actually," said Friends of Robbins Farm Park Board of Director's Tony Vogel.

It's time for Phase 2 of the park's renovation plan. The town approved the community preservation act a few years ago and the Recreation Department applied for funds based on that to improve the fields and provide handicapped access. Just yesterday they announced they'd chosen a

"We had about $636,000 approved and granted to the town to do this project. It’s by far the largest grant this year for Arlington," said Vogel. "It was really necessary. Finally, we’re going to renovate the fields, which have really been well used but abused as well."

In conjunction with the field renovation, Friends of Robbins Farm Park is sponsoring a history project, where they plan to mark the foundations where farmer Robbins' house once was, the house that was torn down to make way for the park when he left it to the town in the 1940s.

The idea is to have the project finished by the time schools starts again in September.

All of which to say, the contractor needs to start as soon as possible. And that means the construction fences will go up in the next week. The Friends of Robbins Farm Park and the Parks and Recreation Department talked about the possibility of starting the project after the holiday, but ultimately decided in an effort to get it finished on time, the sooner they started the better. So this year there will be no July 4 party at Robbins Farm.

"We’re disappointed because it’s been an annual tradition, but we’ll just have to make it better next year," said Vogel.

Arlington officials say folks are still free to go up there and try to see the fireworks, but remind residents space is limited with all the fences and construction work up there.

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In the mean time, here's a list of other spots in the Boston Area to catch fireworks or festivals see the map below:

Brookline:

Brookline doesn't set off fireworks, but there are two prime spots people go to see Boston's display. Check out Cory Hill Park or the top of Larz Anderson. But get there early to find a good spot. In recent years the trees have obstructed some of the view from Cory Hill Park, but you can still glimpse a bit of them.

Boston's fireworks start at 10 p.m. on the esplanade.

Jamaica Plain:

JP also doesn't set off its own fireworks, though if you make it to Arnold Arboredum there are always folks trying to catch a glimpse of the Boston fireworks at the top of Peter's Hill.

Newton:

Fireworks at 9 p.m. at the Albemarle Field/Halloran Sports Complex

But the day starts much earlier:

Morning events

Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m. – Noon, Newton Centre Playground at Tyler Terrace.
Free event for children ages 3 – 12 years. Children and families are invited to join in the Grande Pet Parade, Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade, Teddy Bear Parade and Foot Races. Free ice cream, candy and drinks complete the morning celebration – courtesy of Cabot’s Ice Cream.

Afternoon/Evening Events
Tuesday, July 4, Noon – 10 p.m. – Albemarle Field/Halloran Sports Complex
Kiddie amusement rides, craft vendor booths, food vendor booths, face painting and other childrens’ activities. The entertainment at the Gazebo is provided by Constantine the Magician, the YCCA Band and a Caribbean performance by D’Allegro Band from DESFOB, Inc. Then, the fun moves over to the main stage, with more free music and dancing from 6 – 9pm. Bring lawn chairs, try out the delicious food from the many food trucks and pick up your light-up novelties.

Fireworks at 9 p.m., www.newtoncommunitypride.org for details.

Waltham:

Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at Leary Field (get there by 5:30 p.m. for music)

Check out a map of nearby spots to watch the fireworks:

Photo of the Boston fireworks by Jenna Fisher/ Patch