Fun On The Fourth Receives Approvals From Select Board: Carnival Will Be In WHS Parking Lot, “Wilmington Night” To Kick Off Celebration

WILMINGTON, MA — At its meeting latest week, the Wilmington Select Board unanimously approved the Fourth of July Committee’s permit request to run a carnival during this summer’s Fun on the Fourth festivities.

The Board made the vote contingent upon approval from the School Department, as the carnival has to be relocated to the High School parking lot (and inflatables in the tennis courts) due to construction associated with the new Town Hall/School Administration Building in the municipal parking lot across from the Town Common.

Wilmington Fourth of July Committee Chair Patrick Giroux was notified in February that underground water infiltration systems will need to be installed beneath the municipal parking lot, with the work scheduled to begin the day after the school year ends. The news caused his committee to change their planning.

Giroux revealed the Committee discussed a “Plan B” that would have shifted the celebration to the Yentile Recreational Facility and Textron fields, but the option was not selected for a number of reasons, including a lack of parking, lack of sidewalks, and a possible 12-hour road closure of Route 38, from Woburn to Wilmington, prior to fireworks.

Giroux and his volunteer team are confident the 42nd Fun on the Fourth will be a success, with events on the Common and the carnival in the high school parking lot..

In his presentation, Giroux noted — despite the relocation of the carnival across the street from its usual spot — the Fun on the Fourth celebration will look similar to past years.

“All elements of the carnival will remain the same,” noted Giroux. “There will be a concert series on the Common nightly, community booths, Family Day on Saturday, merchandise sales in the Fourth of July Building, dinners on the Common, and two incredible nights of fireworks.”

The carnival will run for four days — from Thursday, June 27, 2024 to Sunday, June 30, 2024 —  with a rain date of Monday, July 1, 2024.

A few changes, however, were highlighted.

The Fourth of July Committee is introducing “Wilmington Night” on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. While there will be no carnival that night, the evening will feature Community Booths, Live Music, Food Trucks, Family Entertainment, and more.

During the celebration, parking will be available at St. Thomas and Abundant Life, with satellite parking and shuttle buses available at the MBTA Wilmington Commuter Rail Station on Main Street. Church Street will be closed near the Town Common, while Middlesex Avenue will remain open.

Giroux said safety is the committee’s top priority, and leaders in the Police, Fire, and Public Buildings, as well as the School Superintendent and Temporary Town Manager signed a letter signaling their support for the plan.

“This year’s logistics have been top-of-mind and carefully crafted as we’re aware and acknowledge the large-scale construction operation of the new Town Hall / School Administration Building,” added Giroux.

Giroux noted the event is insured. In fact, it is the skyrocketing cost of insurance which is resulting in the event costing “at or around six figures” to operate.

The high school parking lot will be shut down up to ten days for the set up, operation and break down of the carnival. The Fourth of July Committee will pay for shuttle buses so teachers and staff involved in the summer school program can be transported from the St. Thomas parking to Wilmington High.

In addition to the carnival permit, the Select Board also approved the Committee’s requests to use the Town Common for the celebration; to place promotional signs on the Town Common, Tennis Courts and in front of the Fourth of July Building; and to restrict hawkers, pedlers, and transient vendors within one-half mile of the Town Common during the celebration.

Giroux noted his Committee’s mission has not changed since it was incorporated in 1981, following the town’s 250th Anniversary.

“We provide residents and friends of Wilmington with a first-class, fun-filled, entertaining and and affordable event for all members of the family,” said Giroux.

“This event is what makes Wilmington unique and unforgettable,” he added. “I think I speak on behalf of many in saying that Fun on the Fourth is what makes Wilmington. It is the culmination of community spirit and the pride of living in this town.”