Summer 2007 in Newton

Finally, It's Summer!

Summer is finally here, and with it a slew of activities, kicked off by the all-day Fourth of July festivities.

Here in Newton, we can take advantage of fresh, Massachusetts-grown produce by shopping at the Farmers' Markets, attend a myriad of events produced by the City of Newton and sponsored by many civic and business organizations (check out the July and August calendars), go swimming in Crystal Lake and/or Gath Pool, and generally take advantage of the many parks.

Newton Farmers' Markets

Opening Friday, July 6, the Newton Farmers' Markets operate, rain or shine, on two days, each at a different location, until the end of October:

• Tuesdays, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Cold Spring Park (1200 Beacon St, just west of Walnut Street), wheelchair accessible, and there is ample parking.
• Fridays, from from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 440, 295 California St.

The Farmers' Market features Massachusetts-grown produce, plants, jams and jellies, fish, turkey pot pies, cheese, cider, and baked goods. In addition, Newton Pride maintains a booth where you can order bulbs for fall planting.

City Events

The City of Newton and Newton Pride co-produce several performance series in July and August through the Arts in the Parks program. Many of these events are sponsored by various civic groups and local businesses.

For more information, call (617) 796-1540.

Sunday Heritage Festivals at the Newton Centre Green

(Centre Street and Langley Road; Green Line to Newton Centre)

• July 8: White Heat Swing Orchestra. 15 piece orchestra playing the swing and jazz of the 30's and 40's.
• July 15: Mystic Chorale. A concert that envelops the audience in the power and joy of music from all over the world.
• July 22: Edwin Pabon y su Orquesta. Authentic Salsa band complete with teaachers to get the audience up and dancing.
• July 29: Wildest Dreams. Andy Holiner and Alice Johnson with their irresistible blend of African downbeats, rollicking calypso, roots reggae and R&B.

Tuesdays for Children

A 1-hour long performance series in July, 1:00 p.m. Free performances are at Newton Cultural Center Front Lawn
225 Nevada Street, Newtonville
(rain location: Cultural Center Auditorium)

• July 10: Michael Zerphy. Music, juggling, humor and a zany style keeps the audience delightfully engaged.
• July 17: Benjamin the Clown. Trained with the Moscow Circus, Benjamin mixes breathtaking juggling with comedy.
• July 24: Wayne Potash. Musican/singer involves audience participation.

Thursdays for Children

Dancing in the Parks

Enjoy the sounds of the Big Bands as you dance under the stars on a warm summer evening. Bring chairs, blankets and dancin' shoes. FREE

• Wednesday, August 1, at 6:30 p.m.: U.S. Airforce Band of Liberty. Big Band sounds of the 30's and 40's from the orchestra made famous at Norumbega Park. Pellegrini Park, Hawthorn Street, Nonantum
• Wednesday, August 8, at 6:30 p.m.: Bob Bachelder & Totem Pole Orchestra. Big Band sounds of the 30's and 40's from the orchestra made famous at Norumbega Park. Newton History Museum, 527 Washington St.

Independence Day Celebration!

Even before I moved to Newton, I always looked forward to the picnicking and music at Albemarle Field, culminating in a wonderful display of fireworks -- not as elaborate, perhaps, as the better known concert and fireworks on Boston's Esplanade, but a lot easier to get to (and the fireworks are a lot closer!)

As an added bonus, most years, we can also see the fireworks from the neighboring City of Waltham, which starts its fireworks shortly before Newton's ends.

The City of Newton, in cooperation with several civic groups and local businesses, puts on a full day of activities:

• Kids Morning at Newton Centre Playground:
  10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon (cancelled if raining): Grande Pet Parade, Teddy Bear Parade Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade, Foot Races. FREE Candy, Drinks &Ice Cream.
  Master of Ceremonies, Mayor David B. Cohen
• 12:00 noon -- dusk: Open Air Market & Amusement Rides at Russell J. Halloran Sports Complex (Albemarle Field off Watertown St., Rt. 16).
  Handmade and International Crafts, Professional Dealers, Food Vendors
• 6:00 p.m.: Picnic & Concert at Albemarle Field, featuring Zaitchik Bros Big Band Sounds.
  At Albemarle Field. Bring blankets and lawn chairs Food Vendors, Crafters, Novelties
• 9:00 p.m.: Fantastic Fireworks at Albemarle Field

Parks and Green Space in Newton

The Newton Parks and Recreation Department maintains many parks and green spaces in the City. A list of these appears the City of Newton's website.

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Webweaver: Bobbi Fox, bobbifox@newtoncitizens.com
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Last Updated: Friday, 06-Jul-2007 10:27:12 EDT