The town's Fourth of July Celebration Committee is hoping the only red that's part of tomorrow's Independence Day celebration is on the American flag and not the event's balance sheet.
The committee has been raising money for weeks, seeking donations for the daylong extravaganza that will include a parade, road race, cookout, children's costume parade and concert.
The committee receives $20,000 from the town to help pay for the event, but is still left to its own devices to raise the extra $25,000 or $30,000 that is needed.
"Fundraising is the one part of this that every volunteer hates," event organizer and Assistant General Manager Bernie Cooper said.
But despite a bad economy, Cooper said he's reasonably optimistic the committee will be able to meet its fundraising goals.
"We've been encouraged by the response so far," said Cooper.
Each year the parade gets more expensive, he said, especially as bands and other groups have to pay increased travel costs and insurance. However, the town's contributions to the event has remained at $20,000.
The celebration will be largely the same as previous years, kicking off with the annual children's bicycle, tricycle, doll carriage and historic character parade. The parade will step off at 1 p.m. from First Congregational Church on the corner of Walpole and Winter streets.
The fee to march in the parade is $1. Each child receives a T-shirt and participation ribbon. The winners of a costume contest will ride in the main parade on a float.
There will be a concert at 3:30 p.m. Norwood's Lee Leach will perform on the town's 50-bell carillon and offer tours of the instrument in the Town Hall clock tower.
The annual Firecracker 5K road race will begin at 5 p.m. Registration papers are available at the Town Hall, the Civic Center, the library or by calling 781-762-3054.
The eastern Massachusetts fire truck procession, antique and classic car and historic military reenactment parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. The Fourth of July Parade Spectacular with national and international marching bands begins at 5:45 p.m.
Brian Falla can be reached at 781-433-8339 or at bfalla@cnc.com.
