Hometown Weekly Staff
Despite the threat of rain in the forecast, Memorial Field came to life once again as the Needham Exchange Club brought the Fourth of July festivities to Needham. The July 3rd festivities kicked off around 5:30pm as crowds gathered to check out the food tents, pony rides, face painting, a pie eating contest and other activities planned for the night. Those who arrived early were treated to the sounds of Boston’s best oldies band, the Reminisants, who belted out some classic patriotic favorites to get spectators in the holiday mood. The traditional National Anthem was preformed by Demetrios Tsaniklides and as the anthem concluded, the crowd readied itself for the main event.
Then, right on cue, “the rocket’s red glare” streaked into the sky, kicking off 25 minutes of arguably one of the best aerial pyrotechnics displays in the area. The fireworks erupted from the upper parking lot just above Memorial Field and painted the night sky canvas over the high school with vibrant reds, whites, blues, yellows and greens. The chatter of the once boisterous crowd was now reduced to “oohs” and “aahs” and the occasional “wow”. Those young and young at heart waved miniature flags while others held up their phones to capture each exciting burst. Keeping with tradition the night concluded with barrage of fireworks packed into one grand, grand finale that illuminated the sky continuously for several minutes.
In the end, the rain held off just long enough to reward those who braved the weather with a spectacular July 3rd fireworks event. The festivities continued the following morning with the annual Grand Parade in the Needham Town Common. Thanks to the Needham Exchange Club and their many sponsors of these Forth of July events.
