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Ready for Kid's Day?
By John Andre
Thu Jun 28, 2007, 09:45 AM EDT
In just two weeks from now, Mason Field will take on a familiar look as the North Attleborough Firefighters Association Kids Day makes its splash for the 27th year.
For four days, from July 12 to 15, the smell of food, screams from thrill-ride enthusiasts and the sounds of live music will take over that part of town.
Throw in a classic car show, fire truck parade and a renowned fireworks display and you have the makings for a perfect weekend.
Leading the charge is North firefirefighter Scott Langille, who takes over as the associations spokesman from Ted Joubert, now Plainville’s fire chief.
The annual event raises money for youth-oriented causes.
“It’s very inspiring for people to know that the money goes back into the community,” Langille said. Last year the four day event raised over $80,000.
Rides and games will once again be provided by Fiesta Shows of New Hampshire, and will offer, Langille says, ride specials throughout the long weekend.
Eager fans of the event should note a few changes this year.
The fireworks display will be on Saturday night only.
“We used to hold the fireworks on Friday and Saturday night,” Langille said. “We’re going to combine both shows into one.” The rockets’ red glare will light up the night at 9:30 p.m. July 14.
Gates open on Thursday at noon this year, and remain open until 10 p.m.
At around 5 or 6 p.m., Langille says Elm Street will be closed from Mount Hope Street to Commonwealth Avenue for the classic car show.
John Cafferty and Beaver Brown will provide live music, an opening act that is becoming a staple of the event.
Friday, gates also open at noon but remain open an hour later, until 11 p.m.
Along with the ride specials, Steve Smith and the Nakeds will be performing on stage. Langille says a definitive start time will be announced at a later date.
Saturday kicks off with a fire truck parade at 11 a.m. at North Attleborough Middle School.
Langille says the parade will line up at 10 a.m.
When it steps off, the trucks will exit left onto Landry Avenue, and proceed right onto Mount Hope Street and then left at Elmwood Street, across Route One on North Washington Street.
The parade will work its way through downtown, and left onto Elm Street where it will travel to Mason Field.
Saturday, from 12:30 to 5 p.m., Radio Disney (which can be heard on 550 AM) will be providing the music at the event, along with the band IQ and Stephanie Taylor on tap.
Rides and food will lead up to the fireworks display.
The night comes to a close at 11 p.m.
Sunday festivities start with kids’ Fun Runs and a 5K. T-shirts and prizes will be awarded, and a new category has been added: the Stroller Push. See bottom of page for a complete list of the morning’s activities and times.
Sunday the gates are open from 12 to 5 p.m. and will feature local bands performing live, and Langille says he is “still ironing out the local acts.”
Langille also said that new this year is the foods will not be cooked in transfat oils.
While there have been slight price increases, Langille says a soda and hot dog still goes for just two bucks. “We try to keep it cost effective,” he said.
He adds that residents should have received, or will be soon receiving, a letter requesting a donation of $2 used to pay for the fireworks.
Langille said residents and businesses have been very generous over the years and that he appreciates the continued support.
“We’re excited about this,” Langille said. “We appreciate businesses contributing and thank the residents for their extreme generosity.”
Langille adds that this is the only contact with residents for contributions for the event, adding the citizens need to be aware that the North Attleborough Firefighters Association will not solicit any other funds in any other manner than through the recent letter.
“Our goal is to keep it safe and for everyone,” Langille said.
The event is alcohol free.
Langille adds that the schedule is subject to change without notice.
