Westwood Day is coming up on September 29 2018 #WestwoodDay

The seventh annual Westwood Day is coming up on September 29, 2018. It will kickoff on Friday, September 28 with the high school football game against the Norwood Mustangs, which will be held at Flahive Field at 7pm. Following the game, there will be fireworks at approximately 9pm.

Westwood Day 2018 itself will begin at 10am on the 29th, and go until 3pm, rain or shine. There will also be a 5K race at 9am on the 29th and a one-mile fun run which is open to all ages and abilities.

Westwood Recreation Director Nicole Banks sang the praises of Westwood Day, saying “Westwood Day brings the community together. We love welcoming the many groups and individuals who attend the event including seniors who utilize the [Council on Aging], many kids in sport uniforms, families who live in Westwood and surrounding communities, and local vendors and performers. Our many volunteers make running this event possible and our sponsors allow us to offer so much fun with no admission fee. This event showcases community and celebrates it.”


As always, there will be live entertainment. “We have booked many performers of both music and arts to be showcased on two stages. We are currently working on the logistics of assigning time blocks that work for each of the groups,” reported Banks. “This year’s event will highlight community bands such as Westwood Winds and Westwood Swing Band, as well as a dance performance by Greene-O’Leary School of Irish Dancing. The community should know that all of our entertainers are Westwood-based.”


Regarding how vendors for Vendor Village and the Food Court are chosen, Banks said “We are fortunate to have many local restaurants serve food at Westwood Day. As the event is a celebration of community, we want to feature our local businesses and give them an opportunity to share their craft with the public. We strive to offer a diverse menu of food and look for food trucks or restaurants that bring unique flavors to the event.”


Jodi Tormey, of Dedham’s Emily & Addie boutique, agreed. “Emily & Addie is very much looking forward to being a part of Westwood Day this year! The store has been open for a little over a year now and we have been welcoming customers from all of Dedham's surrounding towns. Westwood families have been a huge part of the business and I love meeting all the wonderful parents, grandparents, friends stopping in to shop for the little ones. Supporting the local communities and building more interest to shop small businesses is so important.”


Nick Vecchio, of Band Gig School of Dedham and Norwood, reported he will have students performing at Westwood Day. "We always look forward to Westwood Day and being part of the Vendor Village. We are a community-based school and always like to be part the festivities. Vendor Village is a fantastic way to connect with future students, current students, and their families.”

"Inclusive Westwood [link is to join their Google group] is a group of parents and citizens who are passionate about making Westwood a supportive, safe and inclusive town for all kids and families. We seek to embrace and celebrate our differences and diversity as a community, and to elevate voices and needs that have traditionally been marginalized...We are thrilled to participate in Westwood Day as a way to engage with our community, invite new members, and learn more about what's on the minds of our friends and neighbors."

“Blue Tapestry Threads is excited to share some new designs and handmade kids clothing items with all those who attend Westwood Day. We [look] forward to seeing you! “ Needham’s Karen O’Leary, whose baby store is a part of Vendor Village, exclaimed.


“What I have enjoyed in the past [at Westwood Day] was the opportunity of meeting so many talented people who run businesses, both large and small, that I never even heard about. It’s a way for us to help each other spread the word about what we do, and for Rotarians an opportunity to share information on our volunteer efforts both locally and globally. Our shelter box will be a “must see” at this event.” Commented Helena Drolette, President Rotary Club of Westwood.


Banks said of discontinuing the parking shuttle that existed during previous Westwood Days, “The shuttle bus system was put in place to assist folks with parking in satellite locations...We did an assessment of shuttle usage last year and determined that guests felt it was more convenient finding closer parking and walking in. We are thankful to the many churches around the event that allow us to utilize their parking for the event. Additionally, we offer event handicap parking at the high school recreation parking lot and the [Council on Aging] Senior Center parking lot.”

“Inviting our Selectmen and government officials to attend this community event is a great way to enhance the “community feel” of this event,” explained Banks, “Our Selectmen play a major role in [Westwood Day:] from kicking off Friday night from the announcer booth at the football game to participation at the 5K and Fun Run Saturday morning you will find our Selectmen out interacting with the community throughout Westwood Day.”

When asked about political candidates attending, Banks added “We have also seen past participation from our State Representative, Senators and Congressmen and hope to welcome them again this year.”

As mentioned above, Westwood Day is on September 29. Volunteers are still needed to assist with set-up, parking, clean-up and other duties-sign up here.

What part of Westwood Day 2018 are you most looking forward to attending? Let us know in a comment! See you there!

Updated 8/31/2018 for new quote.

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