Wakefield's July 4th Celebration Off To A Sunny, Hot Start

Under sunny skies and steamy temps, Wakefield's July 4th celebration is off and running.

The annual parade will start at 4:30 p.m., led by grand marshall and retiring Wakefield Schools Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Smith. Dr. Smith started in Wakefield as the band director back in 1986, a position she held for 18 years. After getting her masters from Boston College, she became assistant principal at Wakefield High School in 2005, then principal, then assistant superintendent, and most recently superintendent. She retired last month.

As usual, the grand marshall will be joined by some 20 marching bands, floats, and community groups, all viewed by residents seated streetside in chairs that started appearing long ago. This year's theme for the parade is HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Celebrating Wakefield and the United States’ birthdays.

As for the parade route, it will start at the Lakeside Office Park. It then travels down North Avenue turning left on to Church Street then right on to Common Street and straight through to Main Street. The reviewing stand is at the Americal Civic Center on Main Street. The parade concludes at the Galvin Middle School.

After more than a few bbqs and maybe a stop at Cravings, the day will end with fireworks over Lake Quannapowitt. Prior to the fireworks make sure to listen in on the Buckley Brothers Band at 7 p.m.

But don't wait until 4:30 to start your 4th. Here's a look at other events during the day, starting with the annual fishing contest.

7 a.m. - Registration for Fishing Derby - Lower Common.

7:30-10:30 a.m. - Children’s Fishing Derby for ages 2 to 14 years. Under 12 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 p.m. (noon) - Diaper Derby - Crawling Race - Lower Common (babies not yet walking).

Followed by Children’s Races:

Toddlers through 12 years old and adults races.

1 p.m. - Canoe and Kayak Races - Starting at the head of the Lake across to the Lower Common. Under 18 years of age must have accompanied adult.

All events are weather permitting. In event if passing showers events may be delayed until showers pass. Prizes and trophies are awarded at the end of each event.

Photo of the Cart, Tricycle, and Scooter Parade by Bob Holmes