On Friday, July 4, Newton Cultural Development (NCD) alongside Newton Parks, Recreation & Culture, offered free Cabot’s Ice Cream, music performed by guest musician Matt Heaton, firetrucks to climb, and various arts and crafts at Kids Morning in the Newton Centre Playground. The event was followed by the Albemarle carnival, featuring kids rides by Cushing Amusements, booths for local businesses, organizations, and food vendors, and a handmade-craft fair. Longtime and new residents from across Newton brought their kids along to enjoy and partake in the festivities.
Matt Heaton, the guest musician at Kids Morning, performed live at the annual celebration for the first time. Heaton started playing the guitar when he was twelve, and after he had a son, became a music entertainer for kids. “I got into playing music for kids when we had a kid,” he said, “There’s always just that one kid that’s really into it, and I think it’s important for them to see live music and where it comes from.” He takes his inspiration mainly from Mr. Rogers from Sesame Street and mid-century American guitar styles. Heaton is often seen playing at the Newton Free Library on the second Wednesday of each month.
Emily and Ian, who have been living in Newton for two years, have attended the July 4 events for as long as they have been residents. “The free ice cream got us out the door,” Emily said, “And once we got here, it became a fun event where we could mingle with many people.” Their daughter, Natalie, offered a small color sheet stand–25 cents per page–during Kids Morning, which she had been preparing for all year long.
At the Albemarle carnival, food and drink were supplied by vendors such as Che! Empanada, Eloti Corn, and Uncle Joey’s Cannoli. In the gazebo, there was live music performed by various bands from 1PM-6PM.
Paul Hennessy, a Newton resident for 35 years, has attended Kids Morning and the Albemarle carnival annually. He always brings his family to celebrate the holiday, which is also his birthday. “[The highlight] is seeing our community spirit and how many residents turn up in a time that is threatening our democracy.” He said, “It’s even more important to emphasize the right side of patriotism rather than the wrong side.”
Along with entertainment and food, vendors offered crafts that people of all ages could enjoy.
Ariel Kohane, a Newton South High School (NSHS) graduate, is currently an after-school teacher doing art on the side. She and her sister Keren had a booth for Ariel’s venture, Ako’s Artwork. They have lived in Newton with their parents all of their lives and have attended the July 4 event since she was a little girl. When Kohane was younger, she and her father used to draw together. “Our Dad used to draw with us all the time, and it inspired a lifelong love of drawing and art,” she said. After graduating from NSHS, Kohane went on to get a MFA in Visual Narrative at Boston University, choosing to stay in the Boston area so that she could visit Newton. “Newton’s a great place to live because they have wonderful community events like this.”
Victoria, an 11-year-old rising 6th grader from Weston, had her Vicarts Ai booth to present her handmade arts and crafts that she’s been working on for two years. Inspired by videos and tutorials she’s watched, Victoria was motivated to try creating her own set of squishies. Although she has attended previous events in both Weston and Newton, this is her first July 4th event selling her crafts. Her squishies are made from a combination of glue and dye. “I was pretty excited to come and present my hard work to everyone,” she said. Victoria enjoys presenting and being able to share her work with others.
And of course, all of this would not have been possible without Newton Cultural Development (NCD) and Newton Parks & Recreation. Speaking of NCD Director Paula Gannon, NCD Program Manager Lisa Rucinski said, “Paula always has an idea every minute. The refreshing and positive energy she brings is contagious.”
“Paula Gannon is wonderful,” Ted Kuklinski, a resident who has lived in Newton for over 40 years, said, “She is just fantastic by being able to get everyone going. And today’s the perfect day for this event.”
Rucinski added, “It’s a lot of logistics we had to sort out in order to make today happen. We really couldn’t have done it without the city’s cooperation, Cabot’s Ice Cream, and our volunteers.”
Chloe Yu is a Fig City News summer intern and a rising junior at Cornell University.
