WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Fourth of July Committee Chairman Scott Garrant was in front of the Board of Selectmen on Monday night to discuss this year’s Fun on the Fourth celebration.
Garrant made TWO requests of Wilmington residents planning on attending the festivities, planned for Thursday, June 30 through Sunday, July 3.
Parking Request
Garrant asked residents to visit the Committee’s website — http://www.funonthefourth.com — as the celebration draws near to learn about the event’s new parking plan.
“Parking is going to be very limited this year with the carnival in the [Swain School] parking lot,” cautioned Garrant. “We’re hoping to have some parking available at the high school, but [it will represent] a reduced number of spots from [past years].”
Garrant told the Selectmen he has already attended one meeting with the Town Manager and Town Department heads to discuss a parking plan, with at least two additional meetings in the works.
Garrant also noted that shuttle buses from satellite parking lots will only be utilized during the night of the fireworks on Saturday, July 2.
“I appreciate all the work you and your committee have done and I look forward to the event,” said Selectman Greg Bendel. “I’ve already told my wife that we’re going to have to take an Uber to free up some parking.”
Fundraising Request
Garrant also asked individuals, families and companies to consider making a financial donation to the Fourth of July Committee so the organization can continue the event the community has come to know and love.
“For 36 years, [the Fourth of July Committee] has funded this celebration primarily through a protion of the proceeds from the carnival,” explained Garrant. “With the carnival absent in 2013 and greatly diminished over the past two years, we’re up against it.”
As a result, the Committee is running its first ever wholesale fundraising campaign, entitled the “Red, White and Blue” Fundraising Campaign.
The fundraiser informational flyer is below:
A list of of businesses and residents who have already contributed to the campaign can be found on the committee’s website HERE.
Board of Selectmen Offer Unanimous Support; Non-Profit Participation Strong
The Board of Selectmen unanimously granted the Fourth of July Committee’s request to allow participating non-profits to set up and operate their food court booths on the Town Common during the celebration.
All five selectmen also granted the request to impose restrictions prohbiting hawkers & peddlers, transient vendors, and transient and temporary businesses from conducting business within one-half mile of the Town Common during the Fun on the Fourth.
This request, made annually, is meant to protect the food sales of the community groups, according to Garrant.
Garrant was pleased to report that approximately two dozen Wilmington-based non-profits will be participating in this year’s celebrations, which is an increase from recent years. The rise is contributed to both an influx of new groups and the return of several groups that did not participate in several years.
Fourth of July Committee Thanks Town; Town Thanks Fourth of July Committee
“I want to commend Town Manager Jeff Hull and Assistant Town Manager Kendra Amaral for passing the crash course on what it takes to put together a carnival,” joked Fourth of July Committee Chairman Scott Garrant.
“The [path to a carnival] has been interesting process, to say the least,” said Town Manager Jeff Hull. “Certainly persistence has paid off between the town and the Fourth of July Committee…. We’re prepared to offer a quality event again this year and are glad [the town] can rely upon the Fourth of July Committee members to assist us as we go forward.”
“The town is grateful for all the work of the Fourth of July Committee,” echoed Selectman Mike Champoux, who asked that the Committee continue to assist the town as it takes on the responsibility of ensuring a successful carnival with Fiesta Shows. “Your expertise is invaluable to the town.”
“Thank you to you and your team for hanging in there throughout the whole process,” Selectwoman Judy O’Connell told Garrant. “I also want to collectively thank everyone involved – committees, town departments, and town personnel – who have tried to work collaboratively to bring this [celebration] forward for the town of Wilmington. ”
Watch the discussion below, courtesy of WCTV. It begins at the 1-minute mark and lasts approximately 12 minutes.
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