by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Staff
Walpole’s 66th annual Night Before the Fourth celebration took place on Friday, July 3rd, and the crowds were as big as ever. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as communities across the country gathered to commemorate the 250th birthday of America.
Hours before the event kicked off, community members were staking out their spots on Stone Field, just behind Town Hall. Festive folks decked out in red, white, and blue set up canopies, lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, and more in preparation for the beloved town tradition. Despite the hot and humid weather, families and friends filled the field, eager to enjoy an evening of community celebration.
The events began promptly at 6 p.m. at the East Walpole Fire Station with the loud but fun Fire Engine Parade. Washington, East, and Elm Streets were lined with families, friends, neighbors, and especially children, who waved excitedly at the diverse collection of emergency vehicles from an array of Massachusetts communities.
Following the parade, the festivities at Stone Field commenced. There was live music, refreshments, souvenirs, and an incredibly joyous crowd ready to celebrate. As the evening went on, excitement continued to build for the fireworks, which were scheduled to begin sometime between 9 and 9:30 p.m.
Right on schedule, the first shell lit up the sky at 9:15 p.m. The spectacular display fully captured the crowd’s attention and was met with cheers and applause throughout the field. As families looked skyward to celebrate both Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday, the dazzling show served as a fitting finale to another successful Night Before the Fourth.
“Those were incredible!” one onlooker said after the grand finale. “Did they really step it up this year for the 250th, or are they always this good?”
The Night Before the Fourth is fully operated and funded by volunteers and donations. Year after year, the celebration brings the Walpole community together and continues to be one of the town’s most treasured summer traditions. If you are interested in making a donation toward next year’s event, it can be mailed or dropped off at the Walpole Fire Department, located at 20 Stone Street.
