July 4th festivities in Newton

by Jon Herrmann and Lucy Xu

July 4th festivities in Newton started during World War II and have been part of the Newton community since.  Linda Plaut, the coordinator of the festivities, recalled going with her son to the festivities when she first came to Newton.

“Going to this event made us feel like we were part of the community, and it was great to see everyone there,” Plaut said.  “This is the place to go to celebrate this national event as a community.  I feel that this is a major strength of the Newton community.”

The festivities will be throughout the day both in Newton Centre and at Albemarle field.  In case of rain, check the city website for cancellation.  Celebrations will begin with Kids Morning at the Newton Centre Playground from 10 until noon.  At the event, there will be a Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade, Foot Races, a Grande Pet Parade and a Teddy Bear Parade. Mayor David B. Cohen will serve as the master of ceremonies.  Cabot’s Ice Cream, The Newton Centre Women’s Club and Whole Foods Market donated candy, drinks and ice cream for the morning events. 

“It is through the generosity of community minded businesses such as Cabot’s and Whole Foods, along with dedicated community volunteers that we are able to produce a world-class event on the 4th,” said Mayor David B. Cohen.  “As most residents of Newton know, there is no better place for you and your family to celebrate the Fourth than right here in the Garden City.”

Events will also take place at Albemarle Field from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M.  Vendors will be selling handmade and international crafts at the Open-air Market and there will be amusement rides for the kids. All vendors must have registered with the City for the event and must wear a Newton Pride badge.

At 6 P.M., everyone is invited to bring their blankets and lawn chairs for a picnic with music from the Zaitchik Bros. Big Band Sounds. Refreshments and food will be available from a wide variety of vendors. At 9 P.M., the night sky will be illuminated by an impressive firework display.

Tony Gentile, Master of Fireworks, said that this year’s fireworks will be something to look forward to.

“I always change it up every year so it’s never the same,” Gentile said.
A Newton resident, Gentile said he’s directed the city’s fireworks for 15 or 16 years.  He said he used to watch his grandfather, who had the job before him, load and launch fireworks.

According to Gentile, Newton Pride spends $10,000 on fireworks per year.  Gentile will work with a crew of five to present a show at Albemarle Field. The crew will arrive at the field at 11 and spend about seven hours preparing and setting up. The show will start at 9 and last 20 to 25 minutes. Cleaning up and packing the equipment will take another hour, Gentile said.

Parking at Albemarle Field will close in the late afternoon and handicapped individuals can park at Fessenden; however, there is a limited amount of handicap parking.  Regular parking onsite is also limited.

The Newton Police request that people in attendance do not bring alcohol, fireworks or grilling apparatuses.  All backpacks and coolers are subject to inspection by the Newton Police, and all vendors must be licensed by the City.
At the sites there will be about 5 maintenance workers for the city and 10 Parks and Recreation leaders. At Newton Centre, there will be an additional 3 staff members overseeing Kids Morning. There will be an additional 15-20 trash barrels and more recycling bins on the sites for people to dispose of trash, bottles and cans.

The celebration is sponsored again this year by the Newton Pride Committee, a non-profit organization that funds citywide events including garden tours, kids’ festivals, fairs and city celebrations. 

Ruth Barnett, president of the Newton Pride Committee, said the July 4th festivities “really bring a sense of total community.”

“It’s truly a great event where families can get a chance to take a break and have fun,” Barnett said. “You see kids coming with their parents and grandparents, enjoying all the great rides and cotton candy. Children love it.”

Barnett, a resident of Newton, said she believes in giving back to the community.  She has been involved in the July 4th celebrations in Newton since 1995, when she became market manager for the Bank of Boston, which was involved in events in nearby communities.  According to her, the Cambridge Savings Bank, her current employer, gave $15,000 for the event and is “very into giving back to the community.”

“I’m just one person involved in the July 4th celebration,” Barnett said. “It’s all the people—volunteers, those in the offices and Newton residents—that gives this event a sense of Newton pride.”