SOUTHWICK – Having the reputation as a recreational community, Southwick always has outdoor activities to offer during the summer time. Early into the summer of 2018, there is a lineup of events that will be offered to the public throughout the warm and sunny months.
This coming weekend the annual boat parade on Congamond Lake will take place on Saturday, July 7 at 6pm. People with boats have the opportunity to decorate and have their vessel on display and on the parade route. According to Ron Greene, a long-time resident of Southwick and organizer of the event, there is expected to be anywhere from 75-100 boats in the parade.
The parade will take off at Babbs Beach, go through Middle Pond, under the tunnel and down to Louie B’s restaurant, and then back to Babbs Beach.
The annual boat parade on Congamond Lake will take place on Saturday. (WNG File Photo)
There will also be a boat costume contest, as owners of the boats can dress up their vessel in a patriotic and red, white, and blue theme. First place will receive a $150 gift certificate to Nora’s. Second place earns a $100 gift certificate at Saunders, followed by a $50 gift certificate at Crabby Joe’s for third place.
Greene pointed out that each boat participating in the contest will have a number on it in order to be identified. There will be three viewing stands for judges at Saunder’s Boat Livery, Louie B’s, and Babbs Beach.
Greene and the Southwick Police Department want to remind the public that there will be three patrol boats on scene for the event. Squirt guns and water balloons will not be tolerated during the parade. Water balloons are especially an item that the police will be looking out for.
“They’re really bad for the wildlife and it’s dangerous for people,” said Greene. “You will be ejected from the parade.”
Just a few days later, the Southwick Summer Concert Series will be kicking off on Wednesday, July 11. Hosted by the Rotary Club, the concert will take place at Whalley Park from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Truck Stop Troubadours, a classic country band, will be performing. The event has free admission and free parking, Food, beer, wine, and other refreshments will be offered for purchase.
The concert on July 11 is one of three confirmed concerts at Whalley Park that will make up this year’s summer concert series in Southwick. The next concert at the park will be on Wednesday, August 8, featuring two exciting bands. Another classic country artist, David Neill will be performing along with Dixie Land Stomp, who is a Louie Armstrong tribute band. The Savage Brothers Band will headline the third concert on August 15.
A view of past Southwick Fireworks at Whalley Park. (WNG File Photo).
While coolers are not allowed, the Rotary Club is encouraging the public to bring their chairs to relax and enjoy the music.
In order to fund the concert series, the Rotary Club was given a grant through the Southwick Cultural Council. The grant will fund the first two concerts. The Rotary Club is funding the third concert on their own.
After seeing how successful the concert at Whalley Park was last summer, it was decided to offer a number of concerts this summer.
“We decided to do more this year,” said Rotary Club member Bob Fox.
The Southwick Civic Fund will be hosting the annual fireworks on July 21 around 9 p.m. Prior to that, a bonfire will be taking place around 7 p.m. near the track tower on the motocross track. Individuals can park at Whalley Park and go through the gate onto the motocross grounds. The festivities leading up to the fireworks will also include food and music.
Throughout the summer, the town beach will also be open to the public. Open seven days a week, the beach is open from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Besides offering a refreshing time on the water, the town beach provides a snack shack along with newly renovated bathrooms and changing rooms.
