The Town of Bedford on Thursday posted on its lead web page and shared with its email subscribers a detailed breakdown of Bedford Day activities planned for Saturday, Sept. 18.
The memorandum covered all of the highlights of the day – from Matty’s Road Race in the morning, through the parade and the street fair during the day, and culminating with fireworks.
There was the usual qualifier that the event proceeds regardless of weather unless severe conditions force cancellation. There also was a new codicil: “Please note that Bedford Day will occur as public health conditions allow, and any changes will be reflected on the Town’s web page and on social media.”
Select Board members have said that if the pandemic environment deteriorates, a vote to cancel Bedford Day would take place at the Sept. 13 board meeting. Currently, there are no restrictions on outdoor activities.
Here is a summary of the day’s events:
- Matty’s Road Race 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. at John Glenn Middle School and continues along McMahon, Concord, and Davis Roads, as well as some of the side streets within the Davis Road loop. Roads will be open, with police assisting to ensure safety.
The race is sponsored by the Friends for Matty Foundation, established by Phil and Tina Langone, whose son Matthew lost his life to cancer in September 2009. The foundation’s mission is to provide financial and other support “to families coping with cancer,” as well as “to hospitals to enhance family resources, research for neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers, and to other organizations that also support families affected by cancer.” For more information and to register see https://friendsformatty.org/mattys-5k-road-race/.
- The annual parade, showcasing dozens of local organizations and institutions, begins at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of The Great Road and Loomis Street and continues west to Mudge Way, where it turns left.
The Great Road will be closed from 10 a.m. to approximately noon between Loomis Street and Willson Park, and to on-street parking. (Traffic will be detoured during that time period, and the MBTA bus will follow Brooksbie and Page Roads to access the VA Hospital on Springs Road.) Loomis Street between Webber Avenue and The Great Road will be closed at 9:30 a.m. for parade staging.
- The Bedford Day Fair features booths and tables sponsored by scores of local clubs and organizations, student groups, and businesses, as well as entertainment, activities, and food vendors. The fair takes place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the town campus between the police station and Town Center, including all sides of Town Hall.
Among the highlights will be free vaccinations by the town Health Department, not only Covid (age 12 and older) but also flu (age eight and older), administered between 9 a.m. and noon in a big white tent behind the Town Center. Candidates for vaccines should bring identification, an insurance card, and a face mask.
Also, the Friends of the Bedford Free Public Library plan to host their Fall Book Sale outdoors under the library’s portico from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and the Bedford Arts and Crafts Society’s annual regional art show will be held in the Town Center between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Masks will be required, as the art show will be held indoors.)
- A fireworks display is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The suggested viewing area is the sports field complex between Bedford High School and Town Hall/Town Center (the fireworks will be launched from a site on the John Glenn Middle School campus). Spectators are asked to not arrive before 6 p.m. Portable restrooms and parking to accommodate the disabled will be available.
Railroad Avenue and McMahon Road will be closed in advance and during the fireworks display. No traffic or parking will be allowed on Mudge Way during the fair, and no parking will be allowed at any time on Bedford Day behind Town Center.
Questions about Bedford Day may be directed to the Recreation Department (781-275-1392).
Mike Rosenberg can be reached at [email protected], or 781-983-1763
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