Join the Wakefield Independence Day Committee as they celebrate a century-old tradition with marching bands, floats, reenactors, and a 4-ton Idaho Potato — plus plenty of ways to get involved!
Route 128 Honda is a new Wakefield July 4th Parade Sponsor this year, pictured here with General Manager Dan Loggins and wife Julie, along with Wakefield Independence Day Committee members Bill Boodry, Barbara Worley and Tom Stapleton
WAKEFIELD – The Wakefield Independence Day Committee (WIDC) is preparing for the July 4th Parade, the “Biggest and Best in Massachusetts,” a cherished tradition bringing the surrounding area together since 1922! Celebrate patriotism, community, and everything that makes Wakefield and the surrounding towns extraordinary. The two-mile parade begins at 5 pm at Lakeside Office Park, goes up North Avenue, to Church Street, to Common Street, and along Main Street to the Reviewing Stand, concluding at Galvin Middle School.
The WIDC leadership team is in place and planning the parade, with most performers booked. Seventeen bands will perform with the four biggest being Lakeside Lutheran High School Warrior Marching Band from Lake Mills, WI, on a two-week tour of New England; the 7th Regiment, an Open Class drum and bugle corps based out of New London, CT; Les Stentors de Sherbrooke Canada and the 215th United States Army Band. The parade has a mix of historical reenactors, horses, floats, circus and character “fillers”, sponsor and feature vehicles, marching units, and antique or vintage vehicles. Special feature this year is the Famous Idaho Potato with a 4-ton potato.
Honoring all veterans and Gold Star families in the wider area is a significant part of the parade. Veterans walk or ride on the trolley and sit in the reviewing stand in front of the Americal Civic Center. E-mail info@julyparade.org for details.
The annual parade takes the tremendous support and coordination with the Wakefield Police Department (and beyond), the Wakefield Fire Department, and the Wakefield Department of Public Works. WIDC leadership attends the Town of Wakefield’s Emergency Management Team meetings for July 4, 2025.
In addition to Route 128 Honda, sponsors from Reading include Reading Cooperative Bank and Reading Street Faire, organized by Reading Rotary. Performing in the parade for a few years is the Reading Community Band, which is looking for a trailer and truck. Contact stevebloom@aol.com.
There are many volunteer opportunities on parade day. The website has an interest form: julyparade.org
