Partying like it's 2019. MetroWest eager to again celebrate the Fourth of July
FRANKLIN — For Rick and Leah Veneski and their young niece, Natasha, the Franklin 4th of July Carnival Celebration was a way to get out of the house and feel safe about celebrating America’s birthday again.
Earlier: These men have run the Franklin Fourth of July celebration since 2007
Stepping off the Flying Bobs — a thrill ride that takes passengers around in a circle in waves, at up to 12 revolutions per minute — Leah said none of them has contracted COVID-19 but they were nevertheless glad to celebrate comfortably and safely.
“If it was indoors, we would have masks,” she said.
Saturday was the third of five days of activities associated with the town celebration. The day was highlighted for the second straight year by a blues festival, which ran from midday until well into the evening, featuring five acts. Fireworks that were scheduled for 10 p.m. were canceled, however, with officials pointing to a forecast that called for severe thunderstorms in the area.
The air was warm and humid due to another storm the night before, but the smell of hot friend dough still wafted through the fairgrounds.
Leah Veneski leaned down toward her niece.
“Are you looking forward to any food?”
“Cotton candy and face painting — and no more scary rides,” Natasha answered.
The trio had hoped to see the fireworks, but soon learned that would not be possible.
“We were looking forward to fireworks, but maybe we can still find a show in Walpole,” Leah Veneski said.
The Veneskis were among thousands throughout the region who were eager to celebrate the Fourth of July with public outdoor activities after COVID-19 canceled such events in each of the past two years.
A young man who ran one of the game booths and gave only his first name, Brandon, said employees must all be vaccinated and tested weekly for COVID-19. He said working carnivals is kind of a family business that allows him feel closer to his father, who died.
“May he rest in peace,” he said. “Working at a carnival has its ups and downs. It’s like a roller coaster.”
In Milford, everyone in the community was excited for the return of the annual fireworks show, which took place June 25, according to Ray Auger of the Milford 4th of July Parade Committee. And thousands more could show for Monday's parade, he added.
"We've only heard great things from the community," Auger said. "There was a small kid’s bike parade last year, and that was nice, but we’re just looking forward to getting back out together to celebrate the birthday of America."
For the first time in three years, the Sudbury Companies Militia & Minute on Monday will put on a full performance, complete with parade, reading of the Declaration of Independence and flag change ceremony, event coordinator John Neuhauser said.
About 25 people have volunteered to reenact times of the American Revolution to preserve American heritage, he said. However, audiences at events are sometimes small, he said.
"We'll be there at the Wayside Inn, whether there's one person in the audience or 100," Neuhauser said.
Franklin’s Blues Fest on Saturday drew both locals and out-of-towners.
Paul George, of Brockton, drove up with his wife and a friend to see Neal & the Vipers despite steep gas prices, he said.
“They’re a great band, so when I saw them playing here, I figured it’s worth a trip to come out,” George said.
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This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Two years of COVID-19, west of Boston 4th of July festivities are on again
