Westfield Fourth of July Parade will honor essential workers

June 30, 2021 | Amy Porter
amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com

Bob and Pat Allen, 2021 grand marshals of the Wyben Fourth of July Parade.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo

WESTFIELD – The Wyben Parade Committee has announced the 70th annual Fourth of July Parade beginning at 5 p.m. on July 4.   

Members of the organizing committee are Bob Allen, Jim Bemis, Crystal Bryant, Carlee Collins, Sue and Tim Crane, David Kroll and Dan Puza.

This year’s parade theme is “Essential Workers.” “We owe a debt of gratitude to all who helped members of our community of Wyben, city of Westfield, state of Massachusetts, this great country of the USA and beyond. The Fourth of July, 2021 is a perfect time to thank all who put their own lives at risk to protect ours,” said Sue Crane on behalf of the committee.

Pat and Bob Allen are the 2021 grand marshals of the Wyben Parade. “Much gratitude and affection for the couple’s tireless and embracing attitude as the Wyben Parade has been a huge success for over 20 years under their direction,” Crane said.

The Allens have called Wyben home since the 1980’s when they moved to the circa 1700s Allen family homestead. Bob Allen retired as a Hartford police officer and Pat Allen worked in drafting and landscape design.

Since retiring, the Allens have been active in the Wyben community, at Wyben Church, where Pat is a trustee and member of Joyful Voices, a group that visits and sings to people who are homebound; and in helping out and supporting church and community members in every way possible. The Allens have been married for 56 years.

“Let us all celebrate Pat and Bob for their goodwill, kindness and all of their ongoing efforts to help make life better and a little easier for all,” Crane said.

The line-up for the parade begins at 4:30 p.m. at the junction of Montgomery and North roads before the parade start time of 5 p.m. The parade route is along Montgomery Road from North Road to West Road.

A Westfield Police Department cruiser will lead the parade followed by the Allens, driven in a friend’s classic car; office holders, floats, and marchers. The North Elm Butcher Block has donated flags to be displayed by residents residing on the parade route.

Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr., state Rep. Kelly Pease and state Sen. John C. Velis will be helping to honor essential workers and participating in the parade. Members of the Westfield Police and Fire Departments and EMTs will be riding in their cars, fire engines and ambulances. A handmade banner spanning the width of the road will acknowledge all essential workers thanking them for their dedication and perseverance.

Ed Bentley, a musician and songwriter from Wyben, will be singing and playing guitar situated on a moving hay truck allowing parade goers to enjoy live music.  Members from the American Legion Post 124 will be attending dressed in uniform, some driving their motorcycles and others marching. 

There will be a variety of antique cars, tractors, decorated floats, bicycles and quads.

Prizes will be given for Funniest, Most Original, Best Outside of Wyben entry, 12 and under and Best Group in the parade. Meet up for prizes will be located at Chris Hayden’s field. Participants must be present to receive a prize. There will be no softball, picnic or watermelon gathering after the parade this year, but Crane said they hope to continue that tradition again in 2022. 

Crane said all acts are welcome to join, march and celebrate this Independence Day.

“Let’s make this year’s parade one to remember,” she said.

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