Updates from the Independence Day parade committee
WAKEFIELD – March 4th is the only day of the year that gives a command. It commands us to March Forth. A great day to hear what the Wakefield Independence Day Committee (WIDC) is doing to prepare for the July 4th Parade, the “Biggest and Best in Massachusetts,” a cherished tradition bringing the community together since 1922! Celebrate patriotism, community, and everything that makes Wakefield and surrounding towns extraordinary. The parade begins at 5 p.m. at Lakeside Office Park, goes up North Avenue, to Church Street, to Common Street, and along Main Street to the Reviewing Stand, concluding at Galvin Middle School.
The WIDC leadership team is in place and planning the parade with many performers already booked. The three BIG bands are Lakeside Lutheran High School Warrior Marching Band from Lake Mills, WI, on a two-week tour of New England; the 7th Regiment, an Open Class drum and bugle corps based out of New London, CT; and Les Stentors de Sherbrooke Canada. WIDC requested the Navy Band Northeast however the Navy is unable to confirm until approximately 60 days prior to the parade. Many “smaller” bands are returning along with the parade’s mix of historical reenactors, horses, floats, circus and character “fillers”, sponsor and feature vehicles, marching units and antique or vintage vehicles.
Honoring veterans and Gold Star families is a significant part of the parade. Veterans from World War II through Desert Storm/Desert Shield walk or ride on the trolley and sit in the reviewing stand in front of the Americal Civic Center. E-mail info@julyparade.org for details.
Floats are a major part of parades and WIDC is excited to have some new entries preparing their floats: Wakefield Recreation Department, Wakefield Bowladrome and the Wakefield Area Chamber of Commerce with assistance from McGuire + Co. Kitchen & Bath. Other organizations and businesses are returning with their float or working on new plans. The WIDC can offer help, and nonprofit floats can receive up to $200 in reimbursement for materials. Floats can be judged and win contests in two divisions: nonprofit and business.
The annual parade takes the tremendous support of the Wakefield Police Department (and beyond), Wakefield Fire Department and Wakefield Department of Public Works. WIDC leadership attended the Town of Wakefield’s first Emergency Management Team meeting for July 4th, 2025. There will be more meetings and coordination.
Fundraising began in November with an event at Main ST Grille and Taphouse and one is also scheduled at Main ST. Grille on March 12 (noon to 8 p.m.). Envelopes were included in the January WMGLD bills, and the response is good. Lost your envelope? Can still mail to WIDC at P.O. Box 1746 Wakefield 01880 or donate on-line on the new website: www.julyparade.org
Securing sponsorships from businesses and organizations is underway with the first big donors already listed on the website with links to their company website. Information on sponsoring is on the website or e-mail info@julyparade.org
WIDC kicked off the year with a sold-out joint fundraiser benefitting West Side Social Club’s July 4th activities and the WIDC parade. Wakefield native and comedian Paul D’Angelo headlined the event with Dave Mangan and Brian Agosta also performing.
Paul D’Angelo pulled together a big fundraiser of the parade – two bands playing at Wakefield Elks Lodge on April 4 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The bands are Fender Bender with Crankin’ House opening. More information can be found at https://givebutter.com/TubiaZ or e-mail info @julyparade.org
The April Vacation Carnival provides approximately one fourth of the funds supporting the parade and is set for April 24-27 at the Galvin Middle School parking lot.
The WIDC meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be held at INspire Café March 18 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. All are welcome. A few WIDC volunteers meet regularly at Brothers Deli & Restaurant on Saturdays at 10 a.m. with a parade featured on the dedicated WCAT TV.
There are many volunteer opportunities ahead of parade day – especially carnival shifts to help people get their tickets; Festival by the Lake; Wakefield Farmers Markets (3); star painting on the parade route. And on parade day – lots of opportunities to help. The website will have an interest form soon or e-mail info@julyparade.org for a link or come to a meeting.
While there are many core volunteers leading crucial aspects of this year’s parade, the two Parade Co-Chairs to note here are Dan Benjamin, one of the original WIDC founders, and Brian Gallivan, website, Google forms and the “whatever it takes” master. The WIDC board members are Maureen Buckley, Dennis Gould, Kevin Scheeler, Sue Scofield, Dave Sidebottom and Barbara Worley.
Tremendous appreciation goes to Brian Fox, the previous WIDC Chair and WIDC volunteer for 10 years. As he says, it IS a lot of work and takes a lot of volunteers and community to pull off the annual July 4th Parade in Wakefield.
“Celebrate July 4th in Wakefield” is this year’s theme – based on the vintage button found by the Wakefield Historical Society – most likely dated in the 1920’s. WIDC volunteer Laurel Sullivan reproduced the artwork which will carry the theme into next year’s July 4, 2026. It will be the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.