Tuesday, July 3
Downtown Block Party. Main St., Fitchburg. 5 - 11 p.m. Main Street closes from Putnam St. to Academy St. starting at 4 p.m. Featuring live entertainment, international food court, basketball tournament, and kids games and activities at Monument Park. Also the area's largest assembly of antique and classic cars. 978-345-9550.
The Thayer Symphony Orchestra and Fitchburg's Fireworks. Crocker Field, Fitchburg. 9 p.m.
Fireworks. Franklin. Boston Soul Revue Show, 7 - 10 p.m. Fireworks at the Franklin High School Field, 10 p.m. 508-528-2494 or 508-528-3466.
Horribles Parade & Fireworks. Downtown Gloucester. 6 p.m. Bands from all over the country, floats, and people in costumes compete for prizes and trophies. Traditional fireworks after the parade at 10 p.m. 978-283-1601. thegloucesterfund.org.
4th of July Concert. Grafton Town Common, Grafton. 6 p.m. Enjoy the US Air Force Band of Liberty. E-mail graftonlionsma@yahoo.com.
Fourth of July Horribles Parade. Maple St., Mendon. Time TBA. Children in costume parade to the Fire Station. BBQ, fire truck tour, hose demo. 508-473-5330.
Fireworks. Windle Field, Millbury. Dusk. Also 7/4. Rain Date: 7/5.
Needham 2007 Celebration. Memorial Park, Needham. Food tents, 5 - 8:45 p.m.; Hometown folk & blues band, 5 - 7 p.m.; Children's Entertainment, 5 - 7 p.m.; Reminisants Concert, 7 - 9:15 p.m.; Fireworks, dark. needhamexchangeclub.org.
July 4th Celebration. Behind the Fire Station, Rutland. Chicken BBQ, 4:30 p.m.; Strawberry Festival, 5 p.m.; Band Concert, 7 p.m.; Fireworks, 9:20 Memorial Field.
Family Fun Beach Events. Sharon. Potato sack races, tug-o-war, and other wacky relays at Memorial Park Beach, Lake Massapoag, 2 p.m.; Bicycle & Doll Carriage Parade at Beech Tree Park, 3:45 p.m. The parade travels on Beach St. to the bandstand. DJ, music, and entertainment. Lakeside Celebration at Memorial Park Beach, 4 - 9:30 p.m. Bandstand concert 7 - 9 p.m. Spectacular Fireworks over Lake Massapoag at 9:30 p.m. Worcester's Fourth of July.
Cristoforo Park, Shrewsbury St., Worcester. Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m. Fireworks accompanied by Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Sousa marches, 9:30 p.m. 508-753- 2924. Rain Date: Thurs. 7/5.
Wednesday, July 4
Fireworks. Nara Park, Acton. Lois Greco Band performs before the display. 978-264-9608.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade,
Boston. 8:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Free outdoor concerts includes patriotic favorites. 888-484-7677. July4.org.
Independence Day. Concord Museum. Celebrate Independence Day with a visit to the Museum. A rare opportunity to see the Museum's 1824 facsimile edition of the original Declaration of Independence. This is one of an edition of only 200 facsimiles printed by order of John Quincy Adams on parchment from a copperplate prepared by engraver W. I. Stone. A$10, Y (6-17) $6, Under 5 free. Also on July 4th, stop by the Museum booth at Picnic in the Park, the annual celebration held at Emerson Field, 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. concordmuseum.org.
Concord Celebrates the 4th. Picnic in the Park at Emerson Field: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Concord Band plays at 3 p.m. 978-369-9763. 978-369-3120.
Annual 4th of July Parade. Downtown Fitchburg. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m. from the Bernardian Bowl, going down Summer St. onto Main St. and ending at the Upper Common. Bands, floats, and fun for the whole family. One of the region's last and largest 4th of July Parades. 978-345-9550.
Children's Parade. Franklin Town Common. For children newborn - Gr. 5. Register, 12 p.m. for the 1 p.m. parade. Okey-Dokey DJ Bob Brown, 12 - 4 p.m. ; The New Orleans Jazz Band, 4 - 6 p.m. Closing ceremonies/lowering of the Flag, Church Sq., end of Common, 6 p.m. 508-528-2494 or 508-528-3466.
49th Annual Hingham 4th of July Road Race. 7 a.m. Pancakes at the Hingham Common from 7 - 9:45 a.m. Parade at 10 a.m. Starts at Hingham High School. 781-741-1464.
Independence Day Fireworks & Concert. Crane Estate, Ipswich. 4 - 10 p.m. Children's activities include a Boston Children's Theatre performance, How to Eat Like a Child, and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up, at 5 p.m. Tickets available in advance online, or at the gate: A$25, C$15 (NM). 978-412-2555. thetrustees.org. craneestate.org. Rain Date: 7/5.
July Fourth Celebration at Tanglewood: The New Cars. Tanglewood, Lenox. 7 p.m. The New Cars - comprising original members of the successful and influential new wave band The Cars - will perform at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Fireworks to follow. tanglewood.org.
July 4th Festivities. Lincoln. An old-fashioned Fire Fighters Pancake breakfast (7 - 9 a.m.) in the Brooks School Gymnasium. Park in Codman Pool Parking area. A$4, C under 10 free. Register for the "Firecracker Run" Road Races at 8:45 a.m. A $12, C 12 and under $8. Children's bicycle parade (10 a.m.) on Lincoln Rd. Decorate your bikes! A small- town parade along Lincoln Rd. (10:40 a.m.). Free swim with music, fun, and prizes at the Codman Pool (12 - 7:30 p.m.). Family soccer game on the Center Field (1 p.m.), Patriotic Sing-Along (8:45 p.m.), and Fireworks next to Codman Pool, 9 a.m. Park before 8:30 p.m. $15 donation requested. Fireworks Rain Date: July 5. lincoln-ma.com.
Fireworks. Windle Field, Millbury. Dusk. Rain Date: 7/5.
Claflin Hill's Independence Day Spectacular Concert. Plains Park, Route 85, Cedar St., Milford. 5 p.m. Fireworks, 10 p.m. Arrive early and make it a "family picnic" event. 508-478-5924. claflinhill.org.
Natick 4th. Parade starts at 9 a.m. at Rt. 9/27 Plaza, then comes down Rt. 27 into Natick Center. Parade then goes East on Rt. 135/ E.Central Street. 508-397-9493. natick4th.org.
Needham 2007 Celebration. Needham. Register for children's parade, 8:30 a.m., at Greene's Field. Wear costumes; decorate bikes; Annual 3-Mile Road Race, 8 a.m., at Needham Heights Post Office; Grand Parade, 9 a.m.; Craft Fair and Flea Market, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Children's Races and Contests, 12:30 p.m., at the Football Field; Open Swim Meet, 2 p.m., at Rosemary Pool; Needham Little League All-Star Game, 2 p.m., at Memorial Park #2. needhamexchangeclub.org.
Fourth of July Festivities. Newton. Kids Morning at Newton Centre Playground. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Grande pet parade, teddy bear parade, decorated doll carriage promenade, foot races, and free candy, drinks and ice cream. Fireworks at Albemarle Field: open air market and amusement rides from 10 a.m. - dusk. Picnic and Big Band Sounds at 6 p.m. 617-796-1540. 617-527-8283. ci.newton.ma.us.
America's Hometown 4th of July Celebration. South and North Streets., Pittsfield. 11:30 a.m. The 2007 "Reach for the Stars" parade is the largest 4th of July parade in America. More than 100 floats, marching bands, and participants. An old-fashioned family Picnic On The Common follows with craft/food booths and entertainment. 413-447-7763, info@ pittsfieldparade.com, or berkshireweb.com.
Parade, Concert, Fireworks in Downtown Plymouth. 508-747-1620. seeplymouth.com.
July 4th Celebrations. Rutland. Grand Marshal/Celebrity Pancake Bfast at the Rutland Community Center, 7 a.m. - Noon; Power to Dream Parade, 2 p.m., Begins at Central Tree Middle School and ends at Prescott St.
Shrewsbury Celebrates. Dean Park, Shrewsbury. Noon- 4 p.m. Food, doll carriage and bike parade at 12:30 p.m., disk jockey and game show, Sunny the clown, face painting, and inflatable rides. $8 wrist band needed for rides. 508-841-8503.
Star Spangled Springfield. Court Square, Springfield. 7:30 p.m. on the steps of City Hall, featuring the United States Air Force Liberty Pops. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from the Memorial Bridge w/musical simulcast on ROCK 102, live musical entertainment and food. 413-733-3800. spiritofspringfield.org.
Independence Day Celebration. Old Sturbridge Village. 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Rousing reading of the Declaration of Independence, music, marching, mustering, and old-fashioned fun and games. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the Common. A$20, Y (3-17) $6, Under 3 free. 800- SEE-1830.osv.org.
Sudbury Parade. Union Ave. to Rt. 20 to Concord Rd. to Town Hall, Sudbury. 1 p.m.
Happy Birthday USA Family Day. Spellman Stamp Museum, 235 Wellesley St., Weston. Noon - 4 p.m. Stamp hunts, special philatelic games w/prizes, etc. Free snacks w/ admission. Ice cream $1. A $5, Sr/St $3, under 16 free. 781-768-8367. spellman.org.
Saturday, July 7All American Patriotic Pops Program. Claflin Hill Summer Winds at The Daniels Farmstead , 286 Mendon St., Blackstone. 7:30 p.m. Enjoy music of Aaron Copland, Glenn Miller, John Phillip Sousa, and music from "Les Miserables," "Saving Private Ryan" and numerous other Fourth of July patriotic favorites. Free. Open to the publc. 508-478-5924.claflinhill.org.
Fireworks and Live Music. Clinton Middle School, Route 110, Clinton. Sponsored by the Clinton Fire Dpt. Live music TBA. 978-365- 4165. Rain date: July 8.
Bangma's Farm Independence Day Celebration. 504 W. Hartford Ave., Uxbridge. 5 p.m. Fireworks, 9:30 p.m. Rain Date: July 8.
One lucky child has the chance to throw out the first pitch at a Lowell Spinners baseball game on Thursday, Aug 23. To enter, parents you need to fill out a short marketing survey and your child, who wishes to throw out the pitch, must write a short 100-word essay on what it means to have good sportsmanship. To enter, visit www.baystateparent.com/Common/spinners_form.html
Yesterday, we completed the August issue and sent it to the printers. It should begin arriving at more than 800+ locations in Eastern & Central Massachusetts next week.
Bay State Parent magazine was named one of the best parenting publications in North America by Suburban Newspapers of America (SNA). The magazine earned third place for “Best Parenting Publication” in SNA’s 2007 Advertising & Promotions Contest. Entries came from both the United States and Canada. Columbus Parent magazine in Ohio took first place and Country Kids in Ohio took second place. Magazines were judged on advertising, editorial contest, layout, and promotions, as well as a letter submitted by editor Susan Scully Petroni on why the magazine is a success in he community and how it is distributed. Bay State Parent magazine, part of the Holden Landmark Corp, submitted its November 2006 issue. Inside that issue was the 4th Annual Adoption Guide. Bay State Parent magazine was named best parenting publication in North America in 2004 & 2006 by SNA.
Charlie and Lola, the quirky and comedic sibling stars of the hit Playhouse Disney series for preschoolers will be the stars of 3 free shows this Saturday, July 28 at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. at the Macy's wing at the Northshore Mall in Peabody. Presented by BBC Worldwide, produced by Tiger Aspect Productions, and based on the books by award-winning children's author, Lauren Child, Charlie and Lola is a highly-visual, laugh-out-loud puppet show presentation based on the Charlie and Lola TV episode and book I will not ever NEVER eat a Tomato. The show is presented in the artful and captivating Bunraku style (puppeteers in plain view). This production is part of a national 10-city tour. The Peabody stop is the only one in Massachusetts. Charlie and Lola is one of the only shows for kids devoted to portraying the important world of sibling interaction and influence. Every exuberant episode is a charming, quirky and funny exploration of the close bond between 7-year-old Charlie and his livewire 4-year-old sister, Lola.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Sauder Woodworking of Ohio, today announced a voluntary recall omore than 414,000 TV stands. The TV stand can collapse if the fasteners used to connect the metal legs to the lower shelf are not completely tightened during assembly, posing a risk that the TV set can fall onto children or adults. Sauder has received 43 reports of TV stands collapsing. Most of the reported incidents involved stands that had recently been assembled. Three injuries required medical treatment including a broken arm, a torn rotator cuff with a concussion, and an injured finger. These injuries occurred when consumers attempted to prevent a TV from falling off the stand. In addition, a 6-year-old child received a bruised shoulder when the stand collapsed and a TV fell on her.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Pottery Barn Kids of California, today announced a voluntary recall 31,000 Matelassé Crib Bumpers. The decorative stitching on the bumper's edge can come loose, posing an entanglement hazard to young children. Pottery Barn Kids has received two reports of incidents involving the decorative stitching coming loose. No injuries have been reported. This recall involves the Diamond Matelassé, Floral Matelassé and Polka Dot Matelassé crib bumpers made of 100% cotton. The Diamond Matelassé bumpers are white and have decorative thread in pink, blue, green, yellow or chocolate stitched along the scalloped edge. The Polka Dot and Floral bumpers come in assorted colors with matching decorative stitching. A label on the bumper reads "pottery barn kids." The bumpers were sold at Pottery Barn Kids stores nationwide, its catalog, and online stores from February 2003 through June 2007 for about $90.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Estes-Cox Corp of Colorado, today announced a voluntary recall 21,000 Sky Rangers Park Flyer Radio Control Airplanes. The airplanes are launched by hand and can explode near the consumer's head, posing a risk of temporary hearing loss and injuries to eyes, face and hands. Estes-Cox has received 45 reports of airplanes exploding, including 22 reports of consumers experiencing temporary ear pain or hearing being affected; five reports of minor burns to hands, faces or eyes; two reports of chest impact from debris; two reports of eye injuries; and one report of a cut hand. One consumer sought medical attention for burning eyes. This recall involves Model 4116 Sky Rangers Park Flyer radio control airplanes, which come with a black battery charger. The airplanes have a wingspan of about 14 inches, a light blue, white and orange polystyrene foam fuselage, and a copper coil on the rudder. Airplanes with a warning sticker on the fuselage near the on/off switch are not included in the recall. The planes were sold at hobby stores and other retailers nationwide from September 2005 through December 2006 for between $20 and $40.
CVS/pharmacy Announces Recall of Playskool Sippy Cups; Poses Choking Hazard To Young Children.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Hasbro Inc of Pawtucket, R.I., today announced a voluntary recall of about 1 million Easy-Bake Ovens. This is an expanded alert. Young children can insert their hands into the oven’s front opening, and get their hands or fingers caught, posing entrapment and burn hazards. Since the repair program announced in February, Easy-Bake has received 249 reports of children getting their hands or fingers caught in the oven’s opening, including 77 reports of burns, 16 of which were reported as second and third-degree burns. Easy-Bake also received one report of a serious burn that required a partial finger amputation to a 5-year-old girl. The Easy-Bake Oven is a purple and pink plastic oven that resembles a kitchen range with four burners on top and a front-loading oven. “Easy Bake” is printed on the front of the oven. Model number 65805 and “Hasbro” are stamped into the plastic on the back of the oven. This recall includes all units with the retrofit kit. The Easy-Bake Oven is an electric toy and is not recommended for children under 8 years of age. Ovens sold before May 2006 are not included in this recall. The ovens were sold at Toys “R” Us, Wal-Mart, Target, KB Toys and other retailers nationwide from May 2006 through July 2007 for about $25.
Okay, the fifth Harry Potter movie -- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix -- opened to blazing sales last week ---$140 million. The first four films totalled $1.175 billion in the U.S. So now, factor in the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on July 21st and you have Harry Potter mania!!! Many local libraries and bookstores have special late night celebrations and parties planned. Inside the July issue of Bay State Parent magazine is a list of our favorite local events. Check them out at www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0701/Articles/006.html or try www.PotterParties.com
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Payless Shoe Source of Kansas, expanded its voluntary recall of 270,000 toddler clog shoes. (about 690,000 clogs were recalled on May 2, 2007). Plastic rivets used to attach the strap to the shoe can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. There have been no injuries or incidents have been reported. This recall involves the following character-themed clog styles: Dora the Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants, Hello Kitty, Coasters® Lighted Car Compel, and Cambridge Mary-Jane. The shoes were sold in toddler sizes 5 through 10. The flexible shoes have air ventilation holes on the top and/or side, and plastic rivets attached to the strap. Shoe sizes are printed on the sole of the shoe. No other sizes, styles or models are included in the recall. They were sold at Payless Shoe Source stores nationwide and Payless.com from January 2006 through June 2007 for between $15 and $20.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, incooperation with Kipp Brothers of Carmel, Indiana, today announced a voluntary recall about 800 Mag Stix Magnetic Building Sets. The small magnets inside the plastic sticks can fall out. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal. The CPSC has received one report of an 8-year-old girl who was hospitalized after swallowing loose magnets. Extensive surgery was required to remove the magnets and repair intestinal perforations. The recalled Mag Stix sets contain 24 pieces including, 12 1-inch sticks, four 2.25-inch sticks, and eight metal balls. The sticks are yellow, green, blue and rust-colored. "Item No. 40330 Made in China" and UPC number 7 7704 40330 1 are printed on the packaging.They were sold between September 2005 through March 2006 for about $3.
The annual New England Sand Sculpting Festival wraps up this weekend at America's oldest public beach - Revere Beach.
View more than 300 photos from yesterday's Life is good at Fenway Park fundraising event at the magazine's photo gallery (link below). Yesterday's event was Life is good's biggest fundraiser raising $802,636 for Project Joy and the Red Sox Foundation. More than 15,000 people stopped by Fenway Park. Bay State Parent magazine was one of the sponsors. Thanks to everyone who visited our booth for a goodie bag, made a baseball visor craft, and picked up a balloon! Click here to see the photos:
Infantino Recalls Children’s Toy Castles Due to Choking Hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Infantino, today announced a voluntary recall of the 68,000 Shape Sorting Toy Castles. The plastic rod can come loose allowing the colored counting beads to slide off of the toy, posing a choking hazard to young children. Infantino has received four reports of children nearly choking on the colored beads after putting them in their mouths. The recalled toy castles have counting beads, four play figures and several different shapes and letters that fit into holes in the castle. “infantino®” is printed in the lower right-hand corner of the side with the letters. The recall only includes castles with the following date codes: 5349, 6087, 6132 and 0906. Castles with other date codes, no date code or with a plastic rod attached with a metal screw are not included in this recall. The date code is stamped on the underside of the blue top and can be viewed through the top square shape or top “A” letter openings. The castles were sold at Wal-Mart, Target, Marshalls, Meijers, and other specialty toy retailers nationwide from January 2006 through May 2007 for about $12.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Target, today announced a voluntary recall of 2,300 Play Wonder Toy Barbeque Grills, manufactured by Schylling, of Rowley, Mass. The circular ash tray attached to the stainless steel legs of the grill could contain sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard. No incidents or injuries have been reported. This recall involves the Play Wonder Barbeque Grill. The grill is metal and has an orange metal base and top, along with stainless steel legs and a removable circular ash tray. The grill set also includes tongs and a spatula. The “Play Wonder” logo is located on the lower right corner of the packaging.
Congrats to the winners of Bay State Parent magazine's Charlotte's Web DVD giveaway. Each will receive a widescreen version of the film. They are: * Sherri White of Fiskdale, who picks up the magazine at McDonalds * Diana Antul of Hubbardstown * Renay Beers of Dedham, who picks up the magazine at Isis Maternity * Heather Fernard of Westford * Erin Manyak of Northbridge, who picks up the magazine at Next Generation Children's Centers * Cherie Biron of Sturbridge. This was her first time picking up Bay State Parent magazine. * Brenda Tynan of North Attleboro * Jennifer Graves of Worcester, who picks up the magazine at Worcester Fitness. * Brandi Pearson of Barre. * Pam Koskovich of Natick, who picks up the magazine at Natick Family Network. 
Life is good® will take to the field at "America's Most Beloved Ballpark."
