North Attleboro Firefighter’s Kids Day will return for its 46th annual fundraising carnival at the North Attleboro Middle School at 520 Landry Ave. from July 16 through July 19.
The North Attleboro Firefighters Kids Association is a non-profit that started in 1980. The organization’s mission is to raise funds to donate back to the community for those who need it the most. Over the last 46 years, Kids Day has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to various causes.
The main source of income is the association’s four-day event, which is held in July each year.
Kids Day consists of food, music, carnival rides, a fire truck parade, fireworks and many other activities for the entire family to enjoy. All entertainment on the stage is paid for through a corporate sponsor program. Businesses that donate will have an advertising sign on the main stage during the event.
Some important changes are happening this year. The first is the date of the event. The last several years, the event was held around the last week of July, but this year it is moved up a week. The main reason for this is because the association is collaborating with North Attleboro to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. On Saturday, July 18, the North Attleboro Community Band will perform before and during the fireworks display, giving a Boston Pops vibe to the night.
The next important change the location of the fireworks. In years past, the fireworks were set off in the fields behind the high school. This year they will be shot off from across the street at the bus yard on Landry Avenue. The best viewing area for the fireworks will be the field next to the middle school. People will no longer be able to see the fireworks from the back fields or further surrounding areas, as in years past.
Another change to coincide with the 250th celebration and collaboration with the town is an addition to the fire truck parade in the center of town. The parade will start and end at the same spots as in years past and will follow the same route. However, in the center of town there will be a 250th celebration contingent added to the end of the fire trucks. There will be performers, floats, musicians, local groups and more.
The route of the parade is as follows:
Fire trucks start at Mason Field at 11 a.m. Straight on Elm Street toward the center of town. Right onto North Washington Street. Right turn across Route 1 to Elmwood Street. Proceed up Elmwood to Mt. Hope Street. Right onto Mt. Hope Street to Landry Avenue. Left onto Landry and proceed to the middle school. The addition of the 250th celebration contingent will be through the center of town from North Washington Street and separate off at the Baptist Common.
The association will be adding to the offerings this year in the form of a food truck for those with gluten sensitivity and various food allergies. Dukes Bakery Food Truck from Fall River will be joining this year—a chicken and waffles truck that is gluten, dairy, soy and nut-free.
The last change is opening time on Thursday. This year, Kids Day will open at 4 p.m. nd run until 10 p.m. In previous years, it opened at noon on Thursdays.
As always, the four-day event free of charge to get in. It is a family-friendly event and no alcohol is allowed or sold for consumption. Also, as per town bylaws, dogs and other animals are not permitted to be on the field or in the carnival at any time.
The event schedule is as follows:
THURSDAY, JULY 16
– Rides and games: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
– Cruise Night: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
– Music and entertainment: TBD
FRIDAY, JULY 17
– Rides and games: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
– Music and entertainment: TBD
-Fireworks by Pyrotechnico: approximately 9:15 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
– Fire Truck / 250th Celebration Parade: 11a.m.
– Rides and games: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
– Music and entertainment: TBD
-Fireworks by Pyrotechnico: approximately 9:15 p.m.
SUNDAY, JULY 19
– Rides and games: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
– Kids Day Touch-a-Truck: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
– Kids Day Craft Fair: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
– ALL above times are subject to change without notice
– All events are subject to weather permitting
– No refunds will be given due to inclement weather
Credit and debit cards are accepted at the food tent and for tickets through Fiesta.
The Kids Day web site is www.NAKidsDay.org
The Facebook page is @nakidsday
Donations can be mailed to:
NORTH ATTLEBORO FIREFIGHTERS KIDS DAY ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 3215
ATTN: FIREWORKS
NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA 02761
Donations can also be made via credit or debit card through www.NAKidsDay.org as well as Venmo @nakidsday