Residents would agree, this town is worth celebrating; and what a celebration the Town of Norwood puts on with Norwood Day! On Sept. 7, people flock to Norwood Center and the Town Common for the biggest, best block party around!

This annual festival brings businesses, organizations, family and friends together to share information, goods, and services, but just as importantly, enjoy and applaud everything this wonderful town has to offer. The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., downtown Norwood, with vehicle traffic closed to accommodate the thousands of residentsand visitors.

It does take a village and many months of planning to host this spectacular event, including many volunteers, the staff of the Norwood Recreation Department, and municipal employees. Word has been spread; no other town hosts a party like this! 

The streets are filled with people enjoying live entertainment, games, kiddie rides, food bites from local restaurants, sidewalk sales, and tables and booths of businesses, non-profit groups, and town department displays. Approximately 160 booths line Washington St. and fill the Town Common just to be a part of this special day!

Norwood Day, however, is not just for the kids! Casstle Island will also be hosting a sectioned-off beer garden near the Town Common.

“Free samples will be given to those who have a button, full pours are for sale,” Norwood Recreation Department Assistant Director Sam White explained.

The beer garden will open at 11:30 a.m., and proof of age 21+ will be needed to buy beverages and patrons will receive a band to be served.  

Unfortunately, the night before Norwood Day fireworks is still on hold this year due to the Coakley Middle School construction, the smaller space, and lack of parking.

On Saturday, September 7, at 10:30 a.m., the parade will kick off the festivities at the Morrill Memorial Library with the Norwood High School (NHS) marching bands and fall sports teams proudly strutting their school colors and entertaining spectators. The parade concludes at the town gazebo where the NHS Spirit Club will award the Anne Lydon Volunteer of the Year Award. The prestigious Award recognizes and honors a Norwood resident who has gone above and beyond to help the local community.

Immediately after the parade, the spectacular street carnival begins with booths of local retail merchants, community organizations, crafters, food vendors, and much, much more sharing their goods, information, and swag! A stage at the Washington/Walpole streets intersection outside Conrad’s will stand as a periphery anchor with local bands, performers, and dance groups providing live entertainment throughout the day, while the far end of Washington St. and the town gazebo lawn will serve as the second anchor with amusement rides. But don’t forget the Town Common; even more vendors line the sidewalks! 

The entire communal party will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for a great bargain of only $3 (prior to event) for a Norwood Day button ($5 the day of the event), entrance and participation is free to almost all events. Buttons can be purchased at the Civic Center, Town Hall, Morrill Memorial Library and the Senior Center.  Buttons can also be purchased at the Norwood Day informational booth on the day of the big event. This year’s button theme is centered on the Civic’s Center’s 80th birthday coming up in November.

Norwood Day is completely self sufficient. All expenditures are satisfied by corporation donations, sponsorships, and the sale of Norwood Day buttons. To help keep costs down, however, and in full demonstration of a town that pulls together, Norwood High School sports teams do their part to contribute to the day by assisting vendors with set up and break downs. Local businesses have proved strong partnerships with the Recreation Department and also reach into their registers to make this event a huge success. Norwood Day would also not be possible without the countless volunteers who donate their time for months planning the event and throughout the day giving directions, selling buttons, and ensuring a smooth schedule for all.

Any resident who is interested in being a part of this spectacular day, volunteers are welcome for any time frame; even an hour will allow another volunteer to experience the occasion. For more information to lend a hand, call the Civic Center at 781-762-0466 or email John Kinney at [email protected].

Norwood Day attracts approximately 13,000-15,000 visitors from in and around Norwood; word has gotten out about the grand festival and residents from surrounding communities cannot resist supporting Norwood and joining in on the fun! 

Norwood Day has become a valuable opportunity for local organizations and merchants to meet their neighbors and celebrate the spirit of the town. Even without a button, there is so much to do, learn, buy, and eat. Buying a button, however, helps support the event and provides more opportunity to join in the fun and celebrations!

In addition to its volunteers and municipal staff, Norwood Day would not be possible without the generosity of the event’s sponsors. Special Thanks to: OneLocal Bank, Gillooly Funeral Home, Beth Israel Lahey Health Beth Israel Deaconess Needham, Central Jeep, Rockland Trust, Rojo, Bank of Canton, Dedham Savings, Chestnut Hill Realty, and the Skating Club of Boston.

We want to thank our sponsors for all of their support on putting on such a phenomenal event for our community,” White said. “Without their contributions, the attractions that are brought in would not be possible.”