Hundreds of local residents and tourists from around the country came out on Saturday for the 4th of July Family Fun Day Celebration at Christopher Columbus Park organized by the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park. The special event kicks off a week of Tall Ships, Harborfest and War of 1812 Bicentennial commemorations on the waterfront.
Members of the US Coast Guard joined in the fun by leading a marching parade around the park complete with decorated bikes, scooters and even Uncle Sam on stilts! The North End Music & Performing Arts Center came in full force with Sherri Snow singing patriotic songs and NEMPAC Executive Director Becca Griffin leading the all-important face painting and musical instruments petting zoo with lessons by Jeremy Sarzana. Lawn games were also a big hit on the West Lawn.
Jenny the Juggler delighted the kids as did Big Joe the Storyteller and Magician Peter O’Malley. The big finale was a concert by the US Navy Band. The all-volunteer FOCCP would like to thank sponsors Boston Pushcart, Al dente Restaurant, Benevento’s Restaurant and Century Bank.
Group Shot – 4th of July 2012 Celebration Family Fun Day at Christopher Columbus Park
US Coast Guard with Uncle Sam at Christopher Columbus Park
4th of July Family Fun Parade at Christopher Columbus Park
Councilor Sal LaMattina with FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-Rines and Uncle Sam!
It’s Navy Week – Jason and Greg of the USS Gravely, DDG107, helped Frankie Boyer pull the winning raffle tickets.
Robert Dello Russo, candidate for Suffolk County Clerk of Court Criminal Division (left), Chad Wolfson and son with FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-Rines
FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-Rines and Family lead off the parade as Jeremy Sarzana starts the marching drum.
The famous Sherri Snow sharing her musical talents with the crowd!
It’s a parade!
I bet this is the first time the US Coast Guard has marched with decorated scooters!
FOCCP Tall Ships & 4th of July Family Fun Day
Jenny the Juggler Leads Her Section of the Parade at Christopher Columbus Park
Patriotic Friends of Christopher Columbus Park Marching in Parade
Uncle Sam Raises the Flag to the Sky
US Coast Guard during National Anthem
Chris Watches Over the Festivities
Keeping in Line
FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-Rines (right) and Family lead off the parade
Manning the Tent – Beverly and Trish
The Magician’s Parade Group Falling a Bit Behind!
Uncle Sam and Christopher Columbus
All the kids decorated their bikes!
Jenny the Juggler with the Kids
Becca Griffin (orange) Keeping the Beat at the July 4th Parade at Christopher Columbus Park while Meghan Denenberg leads the crowd with the US Coast Guard
Is it a monster? No, it’s just Uncle Sam on stilts!
NEMPAC’s Sherri Snow Sings God Bless America
Singing the National Anthem
US Navy Band Performs at 4th of July Family Fun Day at Christopher Columbus Park
Ring around the Rosie
Peter and Liz Representing the Friends of the NE Library
Fun and Games with Magician Peter O’Malley
US Coast Guard at Tall Ships Family Fun Day at Christopher Columbus Park
Peter O’Malley, Magician
Bubble Fun
Bubbles!
Facepainting by NEMPAC
On the drums
Jeremy Sarzana teaches at the Musical Instruments Petting Zoo
Friends – Terri and Ann
US Navy Band Performs at 4th of July Family Fun Day at Christopher Columbus Park
Playing with Jenny the Juggler on the West Lawn of Christopher Columbus Park
FOCCP President Joanne Hayes-Rines with her grandson.
Michele Brogan and Marge Kunian
Jenny the Juggler captures attention
Group Photo at Tall Ships and 4th of July Family Fun Day at Christopher Columbus Park
Photos by Matt Conti. Download high resolution versions of these photographs for free and order prints/products here: http://smu.gs/N15S5I
Things to know for Friday Today is Friday, July 20 and be sure to check out NBC Boston’s list of 25+ events happening this weekend. Here’s what else you need to know for the weekend… 1:00PM Friday Films of Robert Mitchum: River of No Return. Join the North End Library at 25 Parmenter Street for Read More…
Getting a jump on the July 4th weekend fun, Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) continued its tradition of celebrating Independence Day with a family-friendly, free day of events at the park. Ann Babbitt, chair of the event and FOCCP vice president said, “This is a particularly exciting event because it coincides with Boston HarborFest’s activities.” Boston Harborfest Read More…
The North End Music and Performing Arts Center, NEMPAC, held its Annual Spring Music Student Recital on Saturday, June 9, 2012 to a large and enthusiastic audience gathered on the Prado, also known as the Paul Revere Mall. The musicians that performed were students of NEMPAC instructors Sarah Glenn, Rachel Carpenter, Rebecca Rapoport-Cole, Jeremy Sarzana, Read More…
7 Replies to “Family Fun at the 4th of July Parade and Celebration at Christopher Columbus Park [Photos]”
Thank you for your great coverage of this event, Matt.
And sincerest of thanks for your continued support of Christopher Columbus Park.
YOU ROCK!
Congratulations to Joanne and all FOCCP members for making this a festive, fun and memorable start to the Fouth of July Celebration! Thanks to Matt Conti for capturing the essence of many memorable moments. Let freedom ring!!
Sooo much fun! Thank you for such a great event 🙂
Matt, thank you for sharing your wonderful photos. My friend Merry turned me on to your celebratory display; your shots capture the fun. I'm borrowing two for my Facebook banner and profile (giving you credit, of course!) during this week of our Nation's Birthday. Happy Independence Day!
Matt was so touched by your comments. He was beaming.
I'm so glad. Thanks for your feedback. Here's to FREEDOM!
Glad you like the photos and happy folks are sharing them, which anyone is always welcome to do!
Thank you for your great coverage of this event, Matt.
And sincerest of thanks for your continued support of Christopher Columbus Park.
YOU ROCK!
Congratulations to Joanne and all FOCCP members for making this a festive, fun and memorable start to the Fouth of July Celebration! Thanks to Matt Conti for capturing the essence of many memorable moments. Let freedom ring!!
Sooo much fun! Thank you for such a great event 🙂
Matt, thank you for sharing your wonderful photos. My friend Merry turned me on to your celebratory display; your shots capture the fun. I'm borrowing two for my Facebook banner and profile (giving you credit, of course!) during this week of our Nation's Birthday. Happy Independence Day!
Matt was so touched by your comments. He was beaming.
I'm so glad. Thanks for your feedback. Here's to FREEDOM!
Glad you like the photos and happy folks are sharing them, which anyone is always welcome to do!