Wakefield Fourth of July 2017 Fireworks, Parade

WAKEFIELD, MA — You can sleep in a little later this July 4th. That's because the Wakefield annual Fourth of July Parade has a later start this year, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The Wakefield Independence Day Parade is the largest 4th of July parade in Massachusetts. More than 75,000 spectators gather along the parade route every year, which travels through this historic community and along Lake Quannapowitt. Participants include many of the top DCI drum and bugle corps along with high school marching bands, floats and antique vehicles. Many costumed characters also walk the parade route for the children to enjoy.

The parade traditionally lasts about 90 minutes and begins at 4:30 pm 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 American Civic Center on Main Street. The parade concludes at the Galvin Middle School.

This year’s theme is Olympian Pride.

Following the parade, the annual town fireworks display over Lake Quannapowitt kicks off around 9 p.m.