FITCHBURG — Thousands of community members came out for the July 3 Civic Days Block Party and Fourth of July parade, annual holiday traditions that organizers say are important to continue as part of the fabric of the city and its history.
The Salvation Army Fitchburg Corps was one of many organizations and groups that had a patriotically decorated vehicle in the parade on Saturday. This came on the heels of the organization operating a cooling center at its Water Street headquarters and taking its Emergency Disaster Services canteen out into the community to serve cold drinks during the oppressive heat wave last week.
“What a Joy to be a part of such an amazing community!” the nonprofit posted on social media following the festive parade and recent Salvation Army Fitchburg Corps activity. “A huge shout out to our Staff- Advisory Board Members – our Emergency Disaster volunteers- our women’s ministry group- all the volunteers who walked in the parade handing flags out to those watching the parade.”
Mayor Sam Squailia shared a collection of Civic Days Block Party photos on social media following the successful event, highlighting the music, food, vendors, performers, and locals who filled downtown.
“Fitchburg looked so awesome!!” she wrote. “Civic Days has been a proud tradition in our city for so many years (since 1960) and this year was another banner year… even in the heat! Thank you to every resident who came out, every vendor who helped bring the energy, every performer who kept the crowd moving, every sponsor who helped make it possible, and every volunteer who gave their time to help the night run smoothly.
“I also want to recognize our city staff and team who worked behind the scenes and on the ground to pull this all together,” Squailia continued. “A special thank you to Myles, my Chief of Staff, and to Jainny and James in Parks & Recreation, who put so much work into planning and executing this successful event. Events like this take a lot of hands, a lot of coordination, and a lot of love for Fitchburg. It all came together.”
Kendal Passos’ three children – Ben, eight, Adalyne, four, and Isabella, two — were some of many who enjoyed the refreshing water mister provided by the Fitchburg Fire Department at the Civic Days Block Party on Friday, where heat index temps clocked in at over 100 degrees. This was the third time the family has attended the Fourth of July themed affair since moving to the city four years ago.
“This was by far the best one!” said Kendal, who also lived in Fitchburg when she was growing up. “I think Boulder Drive and utilizing Riverfront Park was a great choice. It gave us more space to roam and for vendors to set up, more green space, and of course the awesome fire truck set up to cool everyone down.”
She said that while their kids “loved all of the attractions,” the mister and Animal Adventures tent were their favorites.
“My husband and I were just so happy to see the community come together and celebrate one another and just have fun,” Kendal conveyed. “We need a break from all the noise and Civic Days is the perfect event for that. The fireworks this year were also the best we’ve seen in a while! We even went up to the corner of our street by Memorial Middle School to watch the lines of cars coming in and out of our neighborhood after the show and it was so sweet.”
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