By Bella Caggiano 

The Norwood 4th of July committee has done it again. They have planned and coordinated the most magnificent independence celebration in the area. While some may think each year is built from the previous, that could be farther from the truth. Each year’s schedule can work as a guide, however, things change, life happens, groups become unavailable, better ideas are developed, and basically, the committee is always trying to make the event better every year…..and they succeed!

This year, the celebration will begin on Thursday, July 4, with the traditional kick-off of the Children’s Bicycle, Tricycle, Doll Carriage, and Historical Character Parade at 1 p.m., in downtown Norwood. The fee is $1 per child and participants will receive a festive t-shirt and participation ribbon. Winners will be based on best decoration on themselves or their vehicles and will be invited to ride in the Grand Parade! There will be a Public Reading at 2 p.m., at the historic Old Parish Cemetery (rear of 480 Washington St.) of orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ famous 4th of July address, ‘What to the Slave is the 4th of July?’ This event is free and open to the public.

A Carillon Concert will be held at 2:30 p.m., from Town Hall, with performances from Norwood’s own Lee Leach and Margaret Angelini, from Wellesley College. Tours of the magnificent 50-bell Memorial Carillon will be held during the parade. The vibe on the Town Common shifts gears towards athletics at 5 p.m., as runners line up for the Norwood Firecracker 5k Road Race. Information and applications can be found at Norwood Town Hall, the Civic Center, Morrill Memorial Library, or online at Racewire.com. With thousands of spectators lining the streets cheering and shouting encouragement, the 5K event feels more like the Boston Marathon! The main event will begin at 5:30 p.m., at the Coakley Middle School. The parade route will run down Washington St. in South Norwood, through downtown, and end at the Shaw’s Plaza. To warm up the crowds, Norwood and surrounding municipalities lead the way at 5:30 p.m., with an impressive lineup of fire and emergency vehicles, antique and classic cars, and WWII, Korean War, and other military equipment. This is always a favorite segment of the day and famous for announcing their approach with incredible sirens! The excitement builds throughout the afternoon, and finally, at 5:45 p.m., Norwood’s infamous parade begins! The lineup is filled with national and international marching bands, entertaining acts, floats, community groups and local politicians. 

The Norwood 4th of July Committee has been hard at work to again bring on the best entertainment for all of Norwood to enjoy! Without them, this grand event, which adds so much pleasure to the local community and draws thousands of enthusiastic spectators to Norwood, would not be possible: Maria Henry, Chair, Mary Cantarow, Martha Colamaria, Lou Harris, Lee Leach, the Norwood Amateur Radio Club, and staff liaisons, Michael Rosen and Kevin Broderick. 

The 4th of July committee is still looking for volunteers the day of the event. For more information, email Norwood Assistant Town Manager Michael Rosen at mrosen@norwoodma. gov. This is a great opportunity to share in what makes this event, and Norwood, the place where everyone wants to live!

Please note that Nahatan and Washington Streets will be closed at 4:00 pm.