Wakefield Independence Day Committee

The Wakefield Independence Day Committee is the nonprofit group that organizes the town’s Fourth of July parade, a tradition dating to 1922. The parade runs about two miles through Wakefield’s historic streets and draws thousands of spectators. It features DCI drum and bugle corps, high school marching bands, floats, antique vehicles, costumed characters, street performers and historical reenactors, and the committee bills it as the largest Fourth of July parade in Massachusetts, followed by fireworks over Lake Quannapowitt.

The committee recruits performers from near and far, pitching Wakefield, 10 miles north of Boston, as a base for touring bands who can also explore the city and perform in neighboring parades. Community groups and businesses can enter floats, while dance groups, jugglers, stilt walkers, magicians and Chinese dragon troupes can apply as street acts. Because the event depends on donations, the committee also seeks sponsors and individual contributions.

What to Know

• Float entries are judged in two divisions, non-profit organization and business.
• Applications for future parades open well ahead of time; the committee already invites planning for 2027.
• Local cable station WCAT presents coverage of the parade.
• The 2026 parade celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary.