“The Dawn of the American Revolution” is the theme for Needham’s Independence Day festivities this year which will once again feature two days of events July 3 and 4. Hoping, as always, for cooperative weather, Mark Fachetti, president of the Needham Exchange Club, is looking forward to this year’s fireworks, a highlight of the celebration that draws thousands of people.
The nonprofit organization, which was created in 1947, has sponsored the town’s Independence Day festivities since the 1960s, Fachetti said. The club’s signature event is a two-day extravaganza that includes food, games, music and fireworks (depending on the forecast) on July 3 and a town parade on July 4, featuring some 60 groups. There are no rain dates.
“It’s really a nice family event,” he said.
The Exchange Club picks up the entire bill through sponsorships, donations, food sales and other items people can purchase during the two days. Fachetti emphasized that town money is not used for the festivities.
Volunteers are a crucial part of the event’s success. Fachetti estimates there will be about 70 people running the celebration, including 35-40 at the food station.
In addition to food, music and fireworks on July 3, there are several kids’ events, including a pie-eating contest. Speed will be the key to gulping down as many minipastries as possible, although Fachetti said everyone will get a small prize.
A large parade with multiple local student groups, bands, floats, elected officials and nonprofit organizations will follow a two-mile route on July 4. Leading the event will be a grand marshal. When asked how the club chooses that person, Fachetti said they look for someone “who really exemplifies service to the town.”
Longtime Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick, who is retiring after 35 years, will have the honorary title this year.
Fachetti estimates that last year on July 3, there were nearly 20,000 people enjoying themselves on Memorial Park’s field, with approximately 10,000 more celebrating at neighborhood parties nearby to watch the fireworks.
Next year the club plans to expand the celebration in honor of the country’s 250th birthday, he said.
The schedule of events:
July 3
- 5:30-8:45 p.m.: Food tent – grilled items, soft drinks, ice cream
- 5:30-8 p.m.: Children’s entertainment, pony rides, face painting
- 6:30 p.m.: Pie-eating contest
- 7-9:15 p.m., dusk: Concert with the Reminisants
- At dark: Fireworks spectacular by Pyrotecnico
- No rain date; any updates will be posted via Facebook.
July 4
- The grand parade begins at 9 a.m. at the Town Common
- Children with their parents are encouraged to decorate a bicycle and ride or walk in the Children’s Parade. To participate, meet at Greene’s Field by 8:45 a.m.
For more information: https://www.needhamexchangeclub.org/Fourth-of-July
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