East Brookfield plans two-day Independence Day celebration

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

EAST BROOKFIELD – This town, which traditionally celebrates our nation’s birthday on the Friday and Saturday following the July 4^th holiday, is gearing up for what spokeswoman Judy Shute describes as “our usual, best ever party”.

Friday night, July 9, Nashville Blue will entertain on the bandstand from 7 – 9 p.m, rain or shine. Food and cold drinks will be available. Also on Friday night, the carnival will be operating beginning at 6 p.m. at Connie Mack Field.

The carnival and the fun, Shute says will continue throughout Saturday, July 10 and into the evening. The East Brookfield Baptist Church will serve a pancake breakfast from 8 – 11 a.m. The Massasoit Art Guild, Quaboag Railroad and the historical society, all at Hodgkins school, will be open all day. “There’s plenty of food available,” she enthused, “and something entertaining is happening every minute The carnival will open at 11 a.m, as will crafts demonstrations and vendors – something for everyone.”

The East Brookfield Quaboag 350^th committee will sponsor a road race, this for both runners and walkers. Walkers should be at East Brookfield Elementary School at 8:30 a.m. The walk will begin at 9 a.m., with the run to follow at 10 a.m.

Participants are reminded to be there in time for registration, for which there is a fee of $10. The four-mile race will begin at the school, proceed around Lake Lashaway, and end at the school.

A children’s parade on wheels, scheduled for 11:30 a.m, invites youngsters to push, pull, ride or drive their decorated vehicles in a brief but well-appreciated parade; prizes are awarded.

The “big parade” will follow at noon; traditionally this production features marchers, dancers, antique vehicles including tractors and fire trucks, martial arts performance and a few surprises. The parade begins on North Brookfield Road and proceeds along Main St. to the elementary school.

According to Michelle Forget, Chairman of the Friends For the Community, which, with the East Brookfield Fire Association plans the celebration, there will be entertainment, games, food, vendors and crafts demonstrators throughout the day and evening on Saturday.

Additionally, she said, there will be numerous items raffled off, two 50/50 raffles, and one grand raffle of $1,000 worth of scratch tickets. Tickets for that raffle may be purchased from any member of the “friends”. Only 500 will be sold, she emphasized.

After the parade, at 2 p.m, there will be a firemen’s muster at Connie Mack Drive. “The muster is great, and it gives people an opportunity to take a look at lots of pieces of fire equipment,” said David Messier, Fire Association President.

Following the muster, at 3:30 p.m., the annual softball game between members of the East Brookfield Baptist Church and town employees will take place. The prize, a much-admired trophy, is currently held by the church team. “This game is an important part of the day,” Forget smiled.

The band, “Eleventh Hour,” will perform at 4:30 p.m, followed by “Bad Tickers” from 7 – 9 p.m.

Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. at Connie Mack field. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., a $2 admission to the field is charged.

A new added attraction this year will be a parade of decorated boats along the bridge at Route 9 at 5 p.m, this organized and presented by the Lake Lashaway Association. Prizes will be awarded for the most creatively decorated boats.

In the event of rain, the fireworks display will be presented on Sunday. Members of both committees emphasized that most events will be held as planned unless there’s a real downpour. “A little shower won’t deter us,” Forget said.

For further information, contact Shute at 508-867-9224, Forget at 508-867-9426, or visit the East Brookfield website at www.eastbrookfieldma.us.