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Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. The driver of the John Deere tractor pulling along a float for Norwood Youth Soccer puts his hands to his ears, asking for onlookers to cheer.
Every Fourth of July holiday, residents in the Westwood area are fortunate that local celebrations are many, easy to access, and open to all. Following are a few images of what some of the celebrating looked like, with fireworks in Walpole and a parade in Norwood.
Walpole's Night Before the 4th
On Thursday, July 3rd, Walpole opened its celebration with a fire truck parade at 6:00 p.m., proceeding from East Walpole Fire Station to the downtown Common. In other years, residents have enjoyed music and some activities as they set up chairs and picnic blankets behind Walpole Town Hall, while they await a fireworks show.
This year, an intermittent light rain threatened to literally put a damper on fireworks. But shortly after a rain-free window opened, organizers shot off the first fireworks at 9:00 p.m., half an hour ahead of the announced schedule.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. View of Walpole, MA's fireworks from Night Before the 4th on July 3, 2025.The wet streets reflected back the glow of the fireworks, like a special effect, adding to the drama of the show.
Norwood's Fourth of July Celebration
In the early afternoon of Friday, July 4th, the Town of Norwood began its Children's Bicycle, Tricycle, Doll Carriage and Historical Character Parade down Washington Street. The young participants would compete to be declared the best decorated. Winners would be awarded a chance to ride on a float in a parade that evening.
Following the children's parade was a community reading of abolitionist Frederick Douglass's "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Reportedly, about 40 volunteer readers took part.
After the reading, the town rang its carillon bells, a special treat, especially considering that fewer than 200 carillons exist in the United States, most being owned by churches and universities. As the carillonists played, the public was invited to ascend to the top of the bell tower in Norwood Town Hall, to watch the players and bells in action.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. As an Independence Day activity, the public was invited to view the carillon set - one of fewer than 200 in the United States - that resides in Norwood Town Hall.Similarly to organists, the carillonists pulled on knobs and pressed foot pedals to make the bells sound with music.
At 5:00 p.m., Norwood launched its Firecracker 5K Road Race. Runners passed by on Washington Street, on what would soon become a parade route. Onlookers clapped loudly for each runner, encouraging them.
Not too far away, on their heels, a second parade began, progressing from Coakley Middle School to Town Hall.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. Fire apparatus open the parade for Norwood, MA's Independence Day celebration.Sirens, heard before anything else was seen, alerted the crowd to the beginning of the long line of vehicles, floats, and performers to come. As the fire apparatus arrived, most were from Norwood, although Medfield and perhaps one or two more towns also lent a presence to the parade.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. Independence Day Parade, Norwood, MA, July 4, 2025.After the fire truck procession, a display of the flags opened the procession of classic and antique cars.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. Independence Day Parade, Norwood, MA, July 4, 2025.The parade's Grand Marshal was Lou Harris, of the Norwood Amateur Radio Club.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. Corvette owners were eager to show off their vehicles at Norwood's 2025 Independence Day Parade.A long line of Chevrolet Corvettes brought excitement to the crowd. They took turns revving their engines. Many also took a turn at demonstrating the beginning hint of what might become a sprint in a different setting, letting spectators imagine what the cars might be capable of doing on an open road.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. This blue Ford Plymouth was among a number of antique Fords on display at Norwoods 2025 Independence Day Parade.Following the Corvettes came antique cars and trucks, including examples of Ford's Plymouth and Mustang models.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. Independence Day Parade, Norwood, MA, July 4, 2025.Military trucks also made an appearance. Some carried lighthearted, Independence Day-theme inflatable figures in their open backs.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. Independence Day Parade, Norwood, MA, July 4, 2025.Colonial militia reenactors thrilled spectators with the sounds of fired shots and their playing on pipes or fifes.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. A baton twirler smiles after catching her baton from a toss in the air.A majorette showed off her skills, as she twirled, tossed, and caught her baton, all while dancing down Washington Street.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. Independence Day Parade, Norwood, MA, July 4, 2025.Youth were represented, as some community floats featured members of Norwood sports teams.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. Parade performers, like this unicyclist, spoke and/or waved to the crowd as they passed by.The parade included some novelties, such as a number of unicyclists.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. The Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corp at the Town of Norwood's 2025 Independence Day Parade.The Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corp was the final parade group. Performers whipped around large flags that they released, caught, and spun. The instrumentalists followed, playing a rousing rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. A Norwood Police cruiser closes the Town of Norwood's Independence Day parade.The parade ended with the appearance of Norwood Police, who ensured a safe end to the event.
