‘The spirit of our country is alive and well’: Greenfield celebrates 250 years of American independence

GREENFIELD — A day after the nation recognized the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, thousands flocked to Beacon Field to celebrate.

Recreation Director Christy Moore said Sunday’s festivities honored not only 250 years of American independence, but the generations of residents have who “helped us shape this community through their hard work, volunteerism, resilience and commitment to one another.”

“Tonight we honor those who came before us, and we celebrate all that makes Greenfield such a special place today and look forward with excitement to the future,” Moore said. “Events like this remind us of the importance of coming together as neighbors, friends and families.

“As we look around tonight, we’re reminded that the spirit of our country is alive and well,” Moore continued. “It’s in the children waving flags with excitement, the families gathered on blankets together, with friends reconnecting and the volunteers and staff who have worked behind the scenes to make this celebration possible.”

Historical Commission member Sarah Bolduc, who also represents Precinct 7 on Greenfield’s City Council, echoed Moore’s sentiments and said that “national history is local history, and local history is national history.”

She, along with other commission members, brought the city’s 1867 stagecoach to the celebration and shared information about it with those who stopped to admire it.

“These Concord coaches, they’re iconic. Of the 3,000 that were made, only about 159 are left and this is one that of maybe two dozen that still has a number,” Bolduc said. “This is a Smithsonian-level artifact and we just happen to have it.”

The Historical Commission collected donations to support restoration of the stagecoach, which Bolduc said is quoted to cost a little more than $130,000. Bolduc said the commission will seek grants to support the restoration, but community donations will help match any grant funds. She added that the goal is to fix up the coach so it is usable again, and have its wheels and axle be able to support its weight so it can roll through parades, without needing to be moved using a flatbed truck.

Fortin Family Award

In between musical acts, performances and the fireworks display, the Recreation Department took time to honor volunteers who showcase a dedication similar to the late Ken and Tina Fortin.

“Anyone who knew the Fortin family knows how much they gave to the Recreation Department and the Friends of Greenfield Recreation,” Moore said. “The Fortins contributed so much of their time, and their family’s time, spanning three decades. They were the driving force behind the fireworks returning to Greenfield. They left a lasting impression that will never be forgotten.”

Moore said the spirit of the Fortins was best represented by Leyden residents John and Michele Higgins, the parents of Greenfield Recreation Commission member Heather Valenta. Moore said that since Valenta joined the commission, the Higgins have become committed volunteers.

“Some volunteers carefully choose the events they want to help with. Others have a daughter who is incredibly persuasive,” Moore joked. “We are very fortunate to have a recreation commissioner whose enthusiasm for our department has extended to her entire family, all of which have become an indispensable part of our team.”

Moore said John and Michele Higgins have helped with setup, cleanup and running various events, including the K-9 Keg Pull during the Winter Carnival, Mutts and Mayhem, trivia nights and more, and that despite hot, rainy or freezing weather, they always show up with a smile and are the kind of volunteers every department dreams of having.

“What makes them so special isn’t just that they volunteer, it’s that they do it with smiles, good humor and a willingness to jump in wherever they’re needed,” Moore said. “They’ve become part of the Recreation Department family and their support has helped make countless events successful.”

Moore said setting up the Independence Day celebration took days, with lots of coordination between the Department of Public Works, Recreation Department, Police Department and Fire Department. She said Greenfield welcomed both new and returning vendors, and set up the misting tent the Recreation Department uses to keep summer camp participants cool amid the warm temperatures.

Performances also highlighted the Pizazz Dance Studio, which saw around 40 dancers ages 5 to 18 perform several dances, to songs from popular movies and musicals such as “High School Musical 3” and “Hamilton.”

Owner Caitlin Vautour said the dancers had been rehearsing for months, and the dances performed were the ones the girls learned for this year’s competition season.

“They love it,” Vautour said. “They would rather do community performances than competitions.”

Between the performers, food trucks, vendors, stagecoach and fireworks, Moore said the festivities had “something for everyone,” but her favorite part was seeing how many people showed up to celebrate.

“I appreciate having so many people come together and make memories. That’s what it’s all about,” Moore said. “I love seeing the field packed. There’s thousands of people that come to this event. It has such a huge impact on the community in general.”

Attendees who set up at Beacon Field said it was a great place to enjoy Independence Day, and that the music and fireworks make the event special each year.

“It’s been a beautiful night. The music is great,” Kevin Parker added. “I’m glad on the birthday of our nation I ended up here.”