Now This is How You Celebrate Independence Day!

While many people travel over the 4th of July, Norwood residents know the best independence celebration is right here at home!
Barbeques and family gatherings are scheduled to work around the many festivities planned throughout Norwood so that not a moment will be missed. The events are launched with a children's character and bicycle line up in early afternoon and finishes with the most spectacular parade in the area!
While the day's grand experience begins late afternoon, families begin their communal celebration at 1 p.m., with the charming Children's Bicycle, Tricycle, Doll Carriage and Historic Character Parade. Children and their imaginations are the center attraction for this procession as Norwood's younger set flaunt their creativity through Norwood Center with festively decorated bikes, carriages and costumes. The event begins at the First Congregational Church at Walpole and Winter Sts., and continues down Washington St., through Norwood Center, to the Town Common where awards and refreshments are served.
At 3 p.m., pack up barbeque leftovers for an old fashioned picnic on the Town Common to soak in the soothing chimes of a carillon concert. Norwood's carillon is a local gem as one of only nine carillons in Massachusetts and the seventh largest in the United States. Norwood's own Lee B. Leach will co-perform with Christine Meyer.
The Town Common shifts gears again at 5 p.m. as athletes line up for the Norwood Firecracker 5k Road Race. Runners are cheered on through the center of town by thousands of fans and early parade spectators who consider this the perfect prelude to the main attraction! Race applications are available at Town Hall, the Civic Center, the Morrill Memorial Library or the Town Common. For more information, contact race coordinator Jim Henry at 617-610-0084, or visit www.racewire.com.
It's almost time for the major event, but in Norwood, more is always better! To warm up the crowds, Norwood and surrounding municipalities lead the way at 5:30 p.m., with an impressive lineup of fire and emergency vehicles, antique and classic cars, and WWII, Korean War and other military equipment. This is always a favorite segment for all ages and this group is always famous for announcing their approach with incredible sirens!
The excitement is building, and at 5:45 p.m., Norwood's infamous parade begins! The lineup is filled with national and international marching bands, entertaining acts, floats, community groups and local politicians. The route begins at the Coakley Middle School, travels down Washington St., through South Norwood, hits the center of town and ends at the Shaw's shopping plaza. The streets are lined throughout the entire course with cheers and merriment, from that first introductory vehicle to the very last entrant. A good time on the 4th of July in Norwood is always had by all!
Norwood 4th of July Calendar
Children's Bicycle, Tricycle, Doll Carriage & Historical Character Parade
Norwood Center/
Town Common
1 p.m.
Children are invited to show off their creations in a pre-parade procession down Washington St., to the Town Common.
Carillon Concert/Tour
Tilton Memorial Carillon/Town Hall
3-4:30 p.m.
Lee B. Leach, of Norwood and Christine Meyer, will play Norwood's infamous instrument. Tours of the carillon at 4 p.m.
Norwood Firecracker 5k Road Race
Town Common
5 p.m.
Enjoy participating or supporting this 5K race that starts just before Norwood's legendary independence parade!
Fire Truck, Antique and Military Procession
Washington St., South Norwood through Norwood Center
5:30 p.m.
Fire, emergency and military vehicles and antique cars make their way down the parade route just before the celebrations begin!
4th of July Parade Spectacular
Washington St., South Norwood to the Town Common
5:45 p.m.
Norwood's parade begins at the Coakley Middle School, in South Norwood, travels down Washington St., through Norwood Center and the Town Common and concludes at the Shaw's Plaza.