When and where is the Norton Founder’s Day Picnic and fireworks?
It’s this Saturday, June 23, 5 to 9 p.m. behind Henri A. Yelle Elementary School.
What is the Norton Founder’s Day Picnic and fireworks about?
It’s about community. It’s about family. It’s about summer. It’s a follow-up to the success of the Tricentennial Picnic in August 2011. It’s going to be awesome and if you miss it, just like those who missed the Tricentennial Picnic, you’ll be sorry!
Are non-Norton residents welcome?
Of course! Anyone who likes good, old-fashioned family fun is welcome. Anyone who likes coming together as a community is welcome. Anyone who likes celebrating summer is welcome.
Will I be charged admission?
It’s free to attend the picnic. There will be vendors selling items as well as a food court, but all vendors have been asked to keep their prices at a low, old-fashioned picnic rate.
Where should I park?
There will be free parking for the public at the Yelle Elementary and Norton High School and numerous places along Route 123. There will be designated parking for vendors and volunteers where parking passes will be required.
Will the picnic take place rain or shine?
It’s going to be in the high 70s during the day, and low 60s, clear and dry in the evening. But a rain date of June 30 has been set, just in case.
What kinds of events and activities will be at the Picnic?
-Hot air balloon rides
-Bands and a DJ
-A dunk tank
-Bounce houses
-Antique cars
-A petting zoo
-A blueberry pie-eating contest!
-Fire and police demonstrations
-Dance, music and martial arts demonstrations
-A food court with six local vendors, as well as cotton candy, popcorn and water.
-War encampments
-Arts and crafts activities
-Games for kids on the baseball field
-A dog training expo
-Raffles
-Performances by the Norton Singers and local singer Tim Brown
-A freebie tent by Norton Patch, complete with sunglasses, bubbles, temporary tattoos, wet naps, baseball caps and tee shirts.
-And of course, FIREWORKS!
What should I bring?
-A blanket/chairs for your family.
-A cooler with food.
-Cash. While admission is free, there will be an opportunity to purchase food and other goods and services like hot air balloon rides, so you’ll probably want to have some on hand. Everything will be cash only, and there will not be an ATM available.
-Sunscreen, bug spray, hats and sunglasses.
-A football or other similar toys/games to play with friends you already have and ones you will make.
-Old shoes! You can bring old shoes your family no longer wears to the picnic so they can be recycled and sent to a third world country. There will be boxes for collection.
-A good attitude, ready to have fun.
What should I NOT bring?
-Pets. Leave Fido at home, but enjoy the petting zoo and the dog training expo!
-A grill. There will be vendors making grilled items available for purchase.
-Smoking materials. The picnic is school grounds and smoking is not allowed.
-Alcohol. Again, it’s on school grounds and drinking of alcohol is prohibited.
What time will the fireworks start? Will they be as good as the Tricentennial Picnic?
About 9:15 p.m. This is because the days are longest this time of year. And yes, they will be awesome; it’s the same fireworks vendor as the Tricentennial Picnic.
Can I make a donation to the Picnic and Fireworks for this year or next year?
Yes! Awesome fireworks are expensive, and Norton Parks and Recreation is hoping to make this an annual event. Donations can be made by writing a check payable to “Town of Norton – Founder’s Day Picnic, Attn: Parks and Recreation” and mailing it to 70 E. Main St., Norton, MA 02766. There will also be people with buckets collecting cash after the fireworks end.
