Summer has ended so the good times are over? Not here in Norwood! As Labor Day turns the corner for the approach of fall, Norwood residents are quite aware more fun is coming: Norwood Day will soon be here! It's a great scene to take in as downtown Norwood and the Town Common are transformed into a celebratory community festival filled with live, local entertainment, games, sporting events, kiddie rides, crafters, food bites from local restaurants, sidewalk sales, tables of businesses and non-profit groups sharing their services and town department displays.
The 15th Annual Norwood Day actually launches the evening before, Friday, September 8, with a fireworks display at the Coakley Middle School. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. and before the Norwood skies light up, however, the school field if filled with games the entire family will enjoy! Don't forget to bring your Norwood Day button!
On Saturday, September 19, at 9:30 a.m., a parade kicks off the spectacular main event, beginning at the Morrill Memorial Library with the marching bands and fall sports teams from Norwood High School proudly strutting their school colors and entertaining spectators. The parade will end at the town gazebo where the NHS Spirit Club will identify the King and Queen of the Court and the Ann Lydon Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented (the winner is a secret).
Immediately after the parade, the spectacular street carnival begins with approximately 200 booths of local retail merchants, community organizations, crafters, food vendors, sporting events, and much, much more. A stage at the Washington/Walpole Sts. intersection outside Conrad's will stand as a periphery anchor with local bands and dance groups performing throughout the day while the town gazebo lawn will serve as the second anchor with the food tent, a petting zoo, pony rides and games.
"It's great to see the community get together and see everything the Town has to offer," Recreation Director Travis Farley said.
Norwood Day is a true endorsement of the strong Norwood community and the shared respect and commitment of its residents, its businesses and organizations. To celebrate the strength of its collective loyalties, local restaurants will be offering samples of its diverse menus as a thank you for the continued patronage that has made Norwood the unofficial restaurant capital of the area.
The entire communal party will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for a great bargain of only $3 for a Norwood Day button ($5 the day of the event), entrance and participation is free to all events. Buttons can be purchased from any committee member or at the Civic Center, on Nahatan St.
"The whole theory behind it is that you buy a button for $3 and you get into all these things for free," former Recreation Director and Norwood Day founder Gerry Miller said. "We make it as inexpensive as possible and it works out well."
"Gerry Miler is like the Godfather of Norwood Day," Farley admiringly said.
Norwood Day is completely sell sufficient and comes at no costs to the Town. All expenditures are satisfied by corporation donations, sponsorships and 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's success. The freshman football team will help vendors set up in the morning and the girls and boys varsity and junior varsity soccer teams will assist vendors to break down their booths at the end of the day.
Local business sponsors contribute greatly financially to make these combined events a success and also deserve recognition and future patronage from Norwood residents.
Norwood Day would also not be possible without the countless volunteers who donate their time throughout the day giving directions, selling buttons and ensuring a smooth schedule for all. Even non-Norwood residents offer assistance, especially the Encounter Church, in Westwood, where approximately 40 volunteers from around the country lend a hand.
"We couldn't have done it without their help last year," Farley said.
Help is still needed and is welcome for any time frame; even an hour will allow another volunteer to experience the event. For more information, call the Civic Center at 781-762-0466.
"The first year I asked Lee Kennedy, 'how did you like Norwood Day?' Miller said. "She said, I don't know, I never left the information booth. Since then, I ask for volunteers so everyone can enjoy the day."
According to Miller, Norwood Day attracts approximately 15,000 visitors from in around Norwood. Many are from Norwood but word has gotten out about 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's communal and philanthropic ideas and values. Buy a button and join in the fun and celebrations!
"We're looking forward to another good Norwood Day and seeing everyone out and involved," Farley said.