Wakefield celebrates Fourth of July with parade

WAKEFIELD - It was clear skies and warm weather Tuesday in downtown Wakefield as crowds gathered for the city's Fourth of July parade.

The afternoon began with a short parade of classic cars, followed by the annual children's parade.

Once the group of kids and parents walked, biked, scootered and pushed strollers down the parade route, the official parade kicked off.

Led by a trio of police vehicles; the parade featured floats, the area's three marching bands, various Wakefield graduating classes, Marty's Goldenaires Drum and Bugle Corps and a military color guard.

Many of the floats participating in the parade were decorated based on the parade's theme of "hometown superheros."

Parade organizers said the theme was chosen to celebrate all the volunteers who came together to help with the cleanup efforts following the July 11 storm last year.

Jason Gustafson's float won the grand prize in the parade. The Citrus Bowl Dancers' float took first place, the Special Olympics float took second, American Legion veterans took third, Sunday Lake Kayaks took fourth and the Wakefield Fireworks Committee rounded out the top five.

Tuesday's events ended several days of festivities in Wakefield, with the Sunday Lake Run taking place earlier in the day. The city's fireworks display drew a packed crowd to Sunday Lake Monday night.

The schedule of events also featured a variety show at the Wakefield-Marenisco School.

Whoever bought the winning ticket No. 23126 won a prize of $20,716 in the city's 50/50 drawing.