Here is a quick guide to some of the 4th of July events in our local area:
Boston
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is free and open to the public and is held at the DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade located at 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston.
Monday, July 3
Official Rehearsal of the July 4 Show. Includes all guest artists. No fireworks. Gates open at approximately 5 p.m.
8:00 p.m. - Concert begins
10:00 p.m. - Concert ends
Tuesday, July 4
Concert & Fireworks - gates open at 9 a.m.
8:00 p.m. - Concert begins
10:30 p.m. - Fireworks begin
11:00 p.m. - Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends
Needham
All events to be held at Memorial Park except as noted. Sponsored by the Needham Exchange Club.
Monday, July 3
5:00–8:45 p.m. - Food tents - grilled food, soft drinks, ice cream and more
5:00–8:00 p.m. - Children’s entertainment, pony rides, face painting, and more
7:00–9:15 p.m. - Concert: Reminisants, “Boston’s best oldies band”
Dark - Fireworks spectacular
Tuesday, July 4
8:30 a.m. - Annual 5K Road Race – YMCA
Start location: Needham Public Library
8:45 a.m. - Children’s Parade – decorated bikes and costumes – meet at Greene’s Field
9:00 a.m. - Salute and flag raising - Town Common
9:05 a.m. - Grand Parade – Bands, floats, musical groups, antique cars and more
8:30-1:30 p.m. - Craft fair and flea market
11:30 – 12:00 p.m. - Children’s pie eating contest
12:00 p.m. - Children’s races and contests, running events, sack races, egg toss – football field
1:00 p.m. - Needham Little League – baseball game
Walpole
Walpole celebrates the independence of our nation by holding its popular parade and fireworks display. A staple in Walpole, the celebration has been going strong for over 50 years, and has grown into quit a spectacle.
Monday, July 3
Roads Closed - 4:30 p.m.
The roads surrounding the event area will be closed, namely Stone St. and School St. The map below shows the area that will be closed. There will be no vehicle traffic in this area unless permitted by the traffic officers that will be assigned to these intersections.
Parade - 6 p.m.
The Fire Engine Parade starts at the East Walpole Fire Station at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Please note, once the parade reaches an intersection, that intersection is closed to all traffic until the entire parade passes.
Fair - Immediately following the parade, there is a celebration held in the center, behind the fire station. There is live music, souvenirs and refreshments.
Fireworks - The fireworks start at 9:30 p.m., launched from the area of the center pool on School St. They can be enjoyed from anywhere in the center.
Parking - This event has become so popular in recent years that parking has become a little tight. The Walpole Police Department strongly advises that everyone attending the event take extra care when planning their evening.
Two tips to help attendees enjoy their evenings:
Park on the side of the center, closest to your house. After the fireworks, all traffic is directed out of the center. You may find it difficult to cross through the center of town during the post event rush.
The biggest tip; relax. The entire post-event rush is a 30 minute affair. Bring some extra snacks and drinks for after the event and take your time leaving. Spend a half-hour relaxing, and by the time you get to your car, the traffic will be practically gone.
Sherborn
The Sherborn Fire and Rescue Association has announced its program for the 4th of July.
Starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, there will be field events for children and families at Jameson Fields by Pine Hill Lane.
The parade will step off at 1 p.m. from Sanger/South Main streets. It will proceed along Main Street and end at Pine Hill Lane.
Attention, soakers — the wet float will be present, but please refrain from using your water pistols, etc., until the parade reaches Jameson Fields. Do not squirt the other units in the parade (especially the antique cars).
Fire truck rides will begin at 2 p.m. at Station One, 22 North Main St.
Businesses and organizations in town are encouraged to participate in the parade with a float, if they wish. We’ll line up on Lamplighter Lane at 12:30 p.m.
*All dates/times/information subject to change
