Our Most Wonderful Day of the Year: Norwood Day!

Many may feel the summertime blues when Labor Day rolls around, but here in Norwood, that end of summer trademark can only mean one thing: 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, business and non-profit groups and town department displays.
The festivities are actually launched the evening before, Friday, September 9, with a fireworks display at the Coakley Middle School. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. and before the Norwood skies light up, however, Radio Disney will be there directing games, prizes and more! A roaming railroad will also be available with rides around the new walking path (don't forget to bring your button for admission).
On Saturday, September 10, 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 proudly 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.
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.
Norwood Day is a true endorsement for the shared respect and commitment of its residential and business communities. 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. Trolleys will also transport riders to noteworthy locations throughout town, including the police and fire stations and Norwood Airport where guests can enjoy a new display of WWII bombers.
The entire communal party will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for just $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," Recreation Directory Gerry Miller said. "We make it as inexpensive as possible and it works out well."
To help keep costs down and in full demonstration as a town who 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: Dedham Savings, The Gallery Automotive Group, Furlongs Candies, Norwood Bank, Comcast, Chestnut Hill Realty, Lustra Cleaners and Jake N Joes Sports Grille.
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. 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, attracts approximately 15,000 visitors. 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!