The most wonderful time of the year? Here is Norwood, some may argue it is not a day in December, but early September, and more specifically, Sept. 9, as that is NORWOOD DAY! It’s a day that brings the Town together with the biggest, best block party around!

This annual celebration brings businesses, organizations, and family and friends together to share information, goods, and services, but just as importantly, celebrate and commend this wonderful town. The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., with vehicle traffic closed to accommodate the thousands of residents and visitors.

While it takes a village and many months of planning, this spectacular event is organized by many volunteers and the staff of the Norwood Recreation Department, and Superintendent of Recreation John Kinney. Not every town hosts a party like this but Kinney has put a lot of hours into its preparation and is ready and excited for the big day.

“It has been very exciting as I get closer to the date,” Kinney said. “There is definitely a learning curve to setting up a day like Norwood Day. I know that this is a very big event in the town and I am putting a lot of thought and energy into this. I know when I first came on the scene, everyone’s first question to me was in regard to Norwood Day. I didn’t want to change too much but also I wanted to add a few more attractions to give people of allages something at the event that they could try.

What a scene Kinney will take in! The streets are filled with people enjoying live entertainment, games, kiddie rides, crafters, food bites from local restaurants, sidewalk sales, and tables and booths of businesses and non-profit groups, and town department displays. Approximately 160 booths are currently scheduled, which is up from 150 from last year. With a waiting list to get in, many are anxious to be a part of this special day!

The very popular beer garden will be back, with beverages served by Castle Island Brewery.  We will have a few local food vendors around the beer garden; OCC, One Bistro and Smokehouse BBQ.   The beer garden will open at 11:30 a.m., and proof of age 21+ will be needed to buy beverages. Proper ID will be required and patrons will receive a band to be served.  tion is free to almost all events. Buttons can be purchased at the Civic Center, Town Hall, Morrill Memorial Library and the Senior Center.  Buttons can also be purchased at the informational booths on the day of the big event.   The theme of the Norwood Button this year is to celebrate the life of John Carroll.  

According Kinney, Norwood Day still remains completely self sufficient. All expenditures are satisfied by corporation donations, sponsorships, and the sale of Norwood Day buttons. To help keep costs down, however, and in full demonstration of a town that pulls together, Norwood High School sports teams do their part to contribute to the day by helping with assisting vendors with set up and break downs.  Local businesses have created strong partnerships with the Recreation Department to contribute greatly financially to make this event a huge success. Norwood Day would also not be possible without the countless volunteers who donate their time for months planning the event and throughout the day giving directions, selling buttons, and ensuring a smooth schedule for all.

Any resident who is interested in being a part of this spectacular day, volunteers are welcome for any time frame; even an hour will allow another volunteer to experience the occasion. For more information to lend a hand, call the Civic Center at 781-762-0466 or email John Kinney at [email protected].

Norwood Day attracts approximately 13,000-15,000 visitors from in around Norwood. Many are from Norwood, but word has gotten out about the grand festival and residents from surrounding communities cannot resist supporting Norwood and joining in on the fun! 

“We realize that this celebration is a very popular and well attended event; our main focus is to have a very safe and fun day for everyone on September 9th,” Kinney said. “We have all worked very hard and will continue to work hard until the event is done that day. We hope that everyone is able to enjoy the day!”

Norwood Day has become a valuable opportunity for local organizations and merchants to meet their neighbors and celebrate the spirit of the town. Even without a button, there is so much to do, learn, buy, and eat…..buying a button, however, helps support the event and provides more opportunity to join in the fun and celebrations!Unfortunately, the Norwood Day celebration will not be having the fireworks display this year. The display location, which has been at the Coakley Middle School every year, is under construction.  

“After much deliberation about this event, it has been determined that having the fireworks up at the Coakley with all of the construction underway would not be a safe place to hold them,” Kinney said. “We had no choice but to cancel the fireworks during the construction project of the middle school.”

On Saturday, September 9, at 9:30 a.m., the parade will kick off the festivities which will begin at the Morrill Memorial Library with the Norwood High School (NHS) marching bands and fall sports teams proudly strutting their school colors and entertaining spectators. The parade concludes at the town gazebo where the NHS Spirit Club will award the Anne Lydon Volunteer of the Year Award. The prestigious Award recognizes and honors a Norwood resident who has gone above and beyond to help the local community.

Immediately after the parade, the spectacular street carnival begins with booths of local retail merchants, community organizations, crafters, food vendors, and much, much more sharing their goods, information, and swag! A stage at the Washington/Walpole streets intersection outside Conrad’s will stand as a periphery anchor with local bands, performers and dance groups providing live entertainment throughout the day, while the far end of Washington St. and the town gazebo lawn will serve as the second anchor with amusement rides. But don’t forget the Town Common; even more vendors line the sidewalks! 

The entire communal party will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for a great bargain of only $3 (prior to event) for a Norwood Day button ($5 the day of the event), entrance and participation is free to almost all events. Buttons can be purchased at the Civic Center, Town Hall, Morrill Memorial Library and the Senior Center.  Buttons can also be purchased at the informational booths on the day of the big event.   The theme of the Norwood Button this year is to celebrate the life of John Carroll.  

According Kinney, Norwood Day still remains completely self sufficient. All expenditures are satisfied by corporation donations, sponsorships, and the sale of Norwood Day buttons. To help keep costs down, however, and in full demonstration of a town that pulls together, Norwood High School sports teams do their part to contribute to the day by helping with assisting vendors with set up and break downs.  Local businesses have created strong partnerships with the Recreation Department to contribute greatly financially to make this event a huge success. Norwood Day would also not be possible without the countless volunteers who donate their time for months planning the event and throughout the day giving directions, selling buttons, and ensuring a smooth schedule for all.

Any resident who is interested in being a part of this spectacular day, volunteers are welcome for any time frame; even an hour will allow another volunteer to experience the occasion. For more information to lend a hand, call the Civic Center at 781-762-0466 or email John Kinney at [email protected].

Norwood Day attracts approximately 13,000-15,000 visitors from in around Norwood. Many are from Norwood, but word has gotten out about the grand festival and residents from surrounding communities cannot resist supporting Norwood and joining in on the fun! 

“We realize that this celebration is a very popular and well attended event; our main focus is to have a very safe and fun day for everyone on September 9th,” Kinney said. “We have all worked very hard and will continue to work hard until the event is done that day. We hope that everyone is able to enjoy the day!”

Norwood Day has become a valuable opportunity for local organizations and merchants to meet their neighbors and celebrate the spirit of the town. Even without a button, there is so much to do, learn, buy, and eat…..buying a button, however, helps support the event and provides more opportunity to join in the fun and celebrations!