By Julie Marrinucci
Hometown Weekly Correspondent
On October 17, the town of Medfield, MA, is planning a parade to celebrate its milestone 375th anniversary. But this is no ordinary parade, according to Marion Bonoldi, Town Clerk and Tracey Klenk, Assistant Town Clerk, both on the 6-person parade committee.
“This will be a once-in-a-generation event,” said Bonoldi. “I’m hoping that it’s a day that everybody will remember; everyone coming together to celebrate what this town was historically, what it is today, and what it will be in the future.”
The 2-hour mega-parade, beginning at 11 am, will be followed by a “Party in the Park” community event at Meeting House Pond on North Street in Medfield from 1-4 pm, complete with bands, food and beverage vendors, and entertainment. “We want the celebration to continue once the parade is over, so people can hang out and enjoy themselves all day,” Klenk added.
And the parade line-up? Let’s just say the Macy’s Day Parade has nothing on this one. Parade committee member Jerry Kazanjian reeled off a dozen or so parade elements - and that’s just for starters.
“We’ll have about eleven marching bands, including the Mass Maritime Academy Band and the UMass Lowell Marching Band, Shriners Clowns, the Cycling Murrays from Vermont, the Ancient Mariners from Connecticut, Clydesdales, antique cars, characters including Spiderman, Batman and Wonder Woman, motorcycles, floats and much more,” Kazanjian explained.
“What I love about a parade is that there’s something for everyone. Lots of energy, noise, and lots of excitement - and, of course, town representatives, including Medfield fire and police, local Scout troops, and town officials.
So why a parade to celebrate the town? Members of the parade committee have lived in Medfield for a long time,” explained Bonoldi. “I’ve lived her for over 50 years. When I was a kid growing up here, the parades were a bid deal. It was unanimous that this was the direction we wanted to go in. Old school, small town, vintage parade. But of a certain magnitude this town has never seen.”
Fundraising for the day’s events began in January, with almost $90 thousand collected so far. The goal? $125,000. Parade committee members spoke of the generosity of Medfield individuals as well and local businesses.
“The money will cover the parade elements, the Party in the Park sponsored in partnership with Bellforge Arts Center, security, port-o-potties, and shuttle buses,” Klenk said. “The sheer fact that there are so many people who want to participate and are so invested in this community is awesome. They just want it to shine!”
“When I was a kid, we used to say Medfield is the center of the universe,” said Bonoldi.”It’s a special place. A great combination of history, small town and forward motion. That’s why I wanted to be a part of celebration planning.”
Members of the Parade Committee along with Bonoldi, Klenk, and Kazanjian include Molly Sliney, Bill Southwick and Bob Costello. “It’s a ton of work, but a lot of fun, too,” Bonoldi said. “All six of us are passionate about making this a day to remember.”
What will success look like on the day of the October parade? Kazanjian said it best. “What I would love to see is a big crowd, a sunny day, and smiles on everyone’s faces.”
Along with donations, the Parade Committee is in need of parade marshals to bring this event to life and to help various elements of the parade run seamlessly. Residents and neighboring towns are welcome to participate.
To donate to the 375th Parade fund, visit: https://www.medfield375thparade.com
For more information on volunteering as a parade marshal, send an email to: medfield375@medfield.net
