Seasonal & Holidays
Here's What's Planned For Wayland's 250th American Revolution Anniversary
The lineup will bring a mix of history programs, outdoor events and family activities across town.
WAYLAND, MA — Wayland’s plans to mark America’s 250th anniversary this spring and early summer will bring a mix of history programs, outdoor events and family activities across town.
The Wayland250 Working Group, made up of volunteers and town staff, is hosting a series of events in May and June.
The lineup includes the return of the town’s Paint a Fire Hydrant public art project, a community Splash & Dash race on Saturday, May 30, library programs tied to the American Revolution, a concert version of “1776” at Wayland High School and a June nature walk and public reading of Frederick Douglass.
The Paint a Fire Hydrant initiative invites individuals, families, groups and organizations to decorate Wayland fire hydrants in recognition of the anniversary. Paint kits are available, and participants can also use their own supplies.
Those interested can contact Select Board Member Tom Fay at tfay@wayland.ma.us for guidelines and an agreement.
The Splash & Dash is scheduled for May 30, at 8:30 a.m. at the Wayland Community Pool, 258 Old Connecticut Path.
The event includes a kids' race for ages 12 and under with a 100-yard swim and a half-mile run, and a teen and adult race for ages 13 and older with a 250-yard swim and a 2-mile run. Registration costs $25 in advance and $35 on race day.
The Wayland Free Public Library, at 5 Concord Rd., will also host several anniversary-related events in person and on Zoom.
On May 31, re-enactor Janes Barnes will present “Jane Mecom: Widow to Witness to the Revolution” at 3 p.m. On Wednesday, Jun. 3, the library’s monthly book talk will focus on “Precious & Adored” as part of its Tracing Liberty series. Registration is required for both programs.
A concert version of “1776” is set for Jun. 12 and Jun. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Wayland High School auditorium. The production will feature Vokes Theater Players and Wayland High School students performing songs from the musical about the debate over American independence. Tickets are $10.
The June calendar also includes a nature walk on Sunday, June 28, at 9 a.m. at Dudley Woods Trail, and “Reading Frederick Douglass Together” on Jun. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Wayland Free Public Library.
The Douglass program will be led by Wayland resident Dr. Eden Reneé-Hayes of Pluralism Solutions and will include a communal reading of an abridged version of “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” followed by a discussion.
Town officials said the events are intended to give residents and visitors a chance to take part in educational programs and community activities tied to the national anniversary.
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