This July 4 Parade May Be Natick's Last

After 56 years, this July 4 could be the last year that the annual parade will make its way through Natick. With spots opening on the Friends of the Fourth Committee, if residents do not volunteer by December, there may be no one to plan the festivities and the tradition may come to an end.

Bruce Weisberg, the current chairman, is stepping down after 10 years on the job. A position that he planned to take on for just a few seasons, quickly turned into a decade and now, he says, it's his time to move on. If the group does not find a new chairman, a family night coordinator and additional volunteers soon, the tradition may come to an end.

"If people don't step up by the holidays, there probably will not be a parade next year," he said.

Beginning in January, the Friends meet about once a month to give updates on the progress of the planning. Throughout the year they must raise money for the parade and the events throughout the week as they receive no funding from the town.

But Weisberg isn't planning to completely end his work on the project just yet; he said he will be available to guide the new chairman through the process.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Weisberg at 508-599-5565 or email bruce.weisberg@middlesexbank.com.

To learn more about the parade and other July 4 activities, visit the Natick Friends of the Fourth website or the group's Facebook Page.