Saturday/Sunday in Waterbury: Running, marching, shopping, watching fireworks…
June 29, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout UPDATED SATURDAY 10:20 a.m.
Waterbury will be abuzz with activity today—and Sunday—with Not Quite Independence Day festivities and more.
Given the rainy weather conditions, Waterbury Rotary NQID organizers this morning have announced that today’s afternoon events will go on as planned. The fireworks show has been postponed to dusk on Sunday at the State Office Complex.
The Green Mountain Mile foot race ahead of the Not Quite Independence Day parade attracts runners of all ages, including many families. 2023 file photo by Lisa Scagliotti
The day’s events begin at 3 p.m. at Rusty Parker Memorial Park where food, beverage and other concessions open. By 3:30 p.m., traffic on Main Street will be stopped and parking will be blocked off around most of Rusty Parker Memorial Park. Further down South Main Street, the Green Mountain Mile foot race preps to begin at 3:45 p.m. starting from the Ice Center.
Organized by the Waterbury Rotary Club, the theme of the main event – the NQID parade – is “Celebration of Sports.”
That begins at 4 p.m. from the State Office Complex to Dac Rowe. Afterward at Rusty Parker, the Rotary’s party continues with games and activities along with food, beverages and other concessions from 5 p.m. until dusk. A live concert starts at 6 p.m. with the Tim Brick Band. Note: Dogs are not allowed at the park during this event.
The State Office Complex grounds offer a front-row seat for fireworks. File photo by Lisa Scagliotti
Fireworks will be launched from behind the state offices around 9 p.m. Parking is recommended at the state offices. Note: Those exiting at Park Row will be directed onto Main Street headed north; those exiting State Drive will be directed to go south.
More schedule details in an earlier post here and on the Waterbury Rotary website here.
Those who may skip the parade, or watch from out of town or afterward can view the parade live on ORCA Media’s livestream that will be recorded. Find that link here.
Organizers note that all NQID events will be held rain or shine. UPDATE ON SATURDAY JULY 29: Fireworks will be held Sunday night due to rain on Saturday.
Craft fair at Dac Rowe
Another large event taking place today and Sunday is the Sweet Summertime Craft/Vendor event at Dac Rowe Park. The large outdoor craft fair runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Sunday — also rain or shine.
Admission is free. In addition to dozens of crafters and other vendors, the show will have kids activities including a bounce house and live music by West African drumming and dancing by Shidaa Project of Barre, 3-6 p.m. On Sunday, tunes by the band Double Shot start at noon until 4 p.m.
Parking will be limited at Dac Rowe. Attendees are asked to park in other locations in the downtown and walk to and from the park.
More details on the organizers’ Facebook event post here.
Stowe Pride Party
Image from event poster
Also tonight in Stowe is a new Pride Party event sponsored by Stowe Theatre Guild at Alfie’s Wild Ride bar, restaurant and arcade at 942 Mountain Road. From 8 to 11 p.m., DJ River Road will be spinning the tunes. All are encouraged to wear bright colors. Admission is $5 at the door. Everyone also gets a free glow necklace.