Fourth of July committee finalizes parade plans; theme honors local schools, Lou Harris named grand marshal

Norwood’s Fourth of July committee told the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday that parade preparations are underway, with the theme “Norwood celebrates education,” a children’s bike and doll-carriage parade, a 5K/3K road race, a carillon program and fireworks-related activities.

Committee members said the children’s bicycle and doll-carriage parade will begin at 1 p.m. from the First Congregational Church and proceed to the town common for judging and awards. The committee plans to stage the main parade in the area between Short Street and Mylod, with the parade ending at the Civic center. Organizers emphasized coordination with the Norwood Amateur Radio Club for on-the-ground communications and thanked sponsors including DCD and Home Market Foods for support.

The committee named longtime volunteer Lou Harris as grand marshal and said Harris plans to step down after this year; Kevin Broderick is being trained to assume parade duties going forward. Committee members noted rising costs for bands and logistics and said they have added new bands this year; they also said they would remind race participants that the road race is competitive and not a promenade to avoid delays to parade start times.

Why it matters: the parade is a major annual civic event that requires coordination with public safety and street closures; organizers asked for continued town support and thanked donors and volunteers.

What’s next: committee members will continue permitting and logistics coordination with municipal departments; volunteers and sponsors remain engaged in final preparations.