Celebrate Fourth of July in Newton with parade, food trucks, games, fireworks

Newton is a town that loves its traditions, and perhaps the most celebrated one of all is the Fourth of July Parade. In fact, it is so popular and so well-attended that it is common for residents to place their folded up lawn chairs along the downtown parade route the night before for a curb-side seat to the Independence Day festivities.

Organized by Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce and Newton Main Street, the parade starts at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 4 in downtown Newton. Vendors are available at 7:30 a.m. KayLea Marchant, executive director of the Newton Chamber, said the Fourth of July is one of her favorite times of the year.

“I remember it being a big family gathering for the day, just running around with cousins and friends, and getting all the candy possible and staying up late to see the fireworks,” she said. “So I’m most excited about seeing the parade from a whole new view and helping to create some of those same memories that I hold for others.”

Larry Hurto, a local historian and chair of the Newton Historical Preservation Commission, has been chosen as this year’s grand marshal. In an interview with Newton News, Hurto said he is humbled and honored by the gesture. The parade is something he has attended in the past. But now he’s the star of the show.

“I count it as a privilege that the Chamber has honored me in this way. I hope to see a lot of people out, as much as the weather allows. It’s important always and everywhere to celebrate that we are a free country and democracy prevails here. We have choices to make,” he said. “A lot of countries don’t get that privilege.”

To add on to the Independence Day festivities, the City of Newton has organized a number of family-friendly events later in the day at Agnes Patterson Memorial Park, which is the home of the community fireworks show. For those wanting to see those colorful bursts, the show is set to start at dusk.

The city will also be hosting a Free Throw Contest at 5 p.m., a kids zone with inflatables from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and entertainment provided by DJ Ex. Those who want to kill some time before the fireworks can also enjoy a performance by the Newton City Band for the Summer Concert Series at 7 p.m. in Maytag Park.

Food trucks will also be available starting at 5 p.m. in Agnes Patterson Park. Kaaswagen, Magoo’s Pizza and the NGSA Concession Stand will be open.

Traditionally, the parade is a Chamber event. But Marchant said events like this are always more successful with the help of others. This year is no different. Due to changes with the Chamber taking place during a large portion of the preparation and planning, Main Street stepped in to assist.

“Erin Yeager, executive director of Newton Main Street, has been a parade volunteer for over 15 years, so her knowledge and insight have been a large benefit to my first event,” Marchant said. “Moving forward you will likely see a larger collaboration between the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, Newton Main Street and the City of Newton on events like the parade.”