By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
This past Wednesday, July 3rd the Exchange Club of Needham (ECON) put on a pre-fourth of July celebration at Memorial Park. This spectacular event consisted of children activities, a pie eating contest, a concert, fireworks, and more.
According to the Needham Police Department (NPD), an estimated 25-30,000 people gathered together for this event which started at 5:30 pm. Many brought along blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to set up their spot on the field to watch the fireworks later on in the evening. For those who did not bring any food or beverages, or simply just wanted a treat, a food tent was set up towards the entrance. Here they served hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, sausages, chips and cold drinks including sodas and water.
Either before or after eating this delicious food, little ones and their guardians could enjoy a variety of activities that were set up around the park. In one area, pony rides were given by ponies sporting a festive 4th of July look. Everyone lit up with smiles as they saw the ponies manes dyed red and blue.
Over at the pavilion, a face painting station was set up for those who wanted their own festive appearance. Both children and adults were seen getting the American Flag on their cheeks or even a firework or two.
Back at the entrance, the NPD had a tent set up selling Rocket merchandise. Rocket is the Community Resource Dog of Needham and is quite the hit around town! He was in attendance, along with some other police dogs. Everyone was allowed to come up and pet them if they so pleased.
When entering the field area of Memorial Park, ECON was selling some novelty gifts including glow stick necklaces, patriotic beach balls, star LED bracelets, American Flag foam glow sticks, patriotic LED star wands, USA bow LED headbands and Uncle Sam LED cloth hats. All of the sales from these gifts help pay for the fireworks each year.
Helping to sell these items was Mark who is a member of ECON. When talking about this celebration he mentioned how it has been in the community for over 50 years now and is truly loved by all. All that was seen at this event is privately funded through sponsors and the proceeds they get from the novelty gifts.
As the night continued on, there was a pie eating contest that started around 6:30 pm. Right after this, Reminisants, Boston’s Best Oldies Band, put on an incredible performance for about two hours. Once the sun had gone down, it was time for fireworks to close out the evening.
The following morning, ECON led their annual 4th of July parade that included a wide variety of floats and emergency vehicles. For close to 75 years Needham has hosted this parade that goes on to attract hundreds of Needhamites as well as out-of-towners.
The year’s honor of parade grand marshal went to Tedi Eaton who recently retired as the Needham Town Clerk after 42 years. Also spotted in the festivities was State Sen. Becca Rausch, members of the Select Board and State Rep. Denise Garlick who will also be retiring at the end of the year.
The parade began by Greene’s Field, moved past the Town Common, down May Street, through Webster Street and onto Highland Avenue where it ended outside the Needham Free Public Library.
The 2024 Needham 4th of July celebration was another major success for the town in which everyone was able to have a joyous time. Here’s to the same great success next year!
