Happy July Pack! In addition to sending a reminder of our July Activities, we wanted to send out some important information regarding the 4th of July Parade.
First of all, our July activities are:
4TH @ 3:30PM
4TH OF JULY MARCHING IN THE PARADE
13TH @ 8AM
HIKE THROUGH THE FELLS. THIS EVENT WILL NOT BE FOR YOUNGER SCOUTS SINCE IT WILL BE APPROX 7 MILES
22ND – 26TH
CUB SCOUT DAY CAMP PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED - REGISTRATION CUT OFF IS JULY 8TH AND THERE ARE ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT.
27TH @ 9AM
TOWN FOREST CLEAN UP AT MAPLEWAY W/ SHORT HIKE. GREAT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
For those of you who will be walking in the parade, please plan to be at the staging area by 4pm (see details on how to arrive below). Full scout class a (field) uniforms are required. We will have some water on hand, but be aware of the weather - sunscreen, hats, and water bottles. We will have the youth have a small snack just prior to walking so please pack something. This is a long time for them to wait - make sure they are prepared for it since the parade doesn't start until 5.
Once we have reached the end of the route, please plan to meet us at the Galvin. DO NOT wait until the end of the parade.
Please respond to this message if you will be joining us with your child's name, and a name of an adult and phone number of who we can reach during the parade should we need to reach you. Parents are always welcome to walk in the back of our group if you wish to join your child.
There is some important information directly from the parade committee.
How to Get Here
If you are being dropped off at the staging area by car:
Use 607 North Avenue Wakefield, MA 01880 for GPS directions. As you approach the staging area you will see signs and receive instructions for drop-off at the Lakeside Office Park. All non-float groups MUST be in the staging area by 4:00pm for line up and the streets along the parade route and I-95/128 exit 39 will be blocked off starting at 4:00pm. Groups arriving after 4:00pm will not be allowed to participate.
If you are driving your own vehicle and need parking:
Groups arriving in multiple vehicles are asked to take the shuttle buses from the main parking lots at the end of the route at the Galvin Middle School or MG Fitness. Two shuttle busses will depart from the front doors of the school and gym making loops between the end and beginning of the parade starting at 12:30pm and the last shuttle will leave for the staging area at 3:45pm. If you plan to use the shuttle, please arrive early and meet the bus at the front of the school and the gym. There will be porta potties at/near the lots and also at the main staging area.
Staging Area Information
- Upon arrival at the staging area, a volunteer will assist you in finding your designated location. We shortened the distance between check in and the staging spots this year and participants are expected to walk to their staging location. A golf cart will be available on a case-by-case basis.
- If you are taking the shuttle from the end to the staging area please arrive in the parking area BEFORE 3:30pm in order to be in the staging area for 4:00pm. The last shuttles will leave the parking areas at 3:45pm. Once the roads start to close it will be very difficult to get to the staging area or the end of route parking area.
- Bathroom facilities will be available in the staging and parking areas
- No alcohol is to be consumed in the staging area or during the parade. The police will be contacted and violators will be ejected from the parade and not be invited back for future events. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Parade Information
- The parade is 1.9 miles long and ends at the Galvin Middle School. The route is mostly flat and takes approximately 1 hour to the finish line once you are on the street.
- The parade is held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather you will be contacted.
- The parade starts at 5:00pm and is expected to conclude by 7:00pm. The Line of March is made the week of the parade. Please do not request to be placed at a certain point in the Line of March.
- There is absolutely no stopping along the parade route and please stay with your group. We must complete the entire parade within 2 hours with minimal gaps. This rule applies to all groups.
- Throwing candy or water balloons, using squirt guns, or passing out literature of any kind is strictly prohibited. You can interact with the crowd but cannot hand anything out. Violators will be ejected from the parade and not be invited back for future events. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
