DANVERS — The Danvers Family Festival will cap its 30th anniversary with its annual fireworks festival on Friday, July 3.
This year, the display will be bittersweet, as organizers pay tribute to the man they called "Master Blaster," Donnie Barnett, who oversaw the display in Plains Park until he died from cancer last fall.
The fireworks typically attract 50,000 people from across the North Shore, said this year's Family Festival chair, Keelin Dawe. The event starts at 4 p.m. and includes a patriotic program at 7 p.m., a performance of the winner of the second Danvers Idol contest at 8:30 and a tribute to Barnett at 9. The winner of the 50/50 raffle will also be announced.
Organizers hope the weather this year will be kinder than last, when a fast-moving thunderstorm struck a few hours before the display but cleared just in time.
Of course, the Danvers Family Festival, which started in 1979, is more than just fireworks. It has exploded into a townwide celebration showcasing all Danvers has to offer, from Endicott Park to Danversport, in the two weeks leading up to the Fourth. Many of the 33 events are free or carry a minimal cost.
"It has ballooned into something enormous," said last year's chairwoman, Kathy Ciman.
The Baron Mayer Champagne Reception at the Glen Magna Estates in Endicott Park kicks things off on June 19. Favorites such as Endicott Park Day and its pie-baking contest on June 20, the Ice Cream Scoop-ahhh Bowl on June 27, and Oldies Night in Danvers Square on July 1 will be back. New this year is a Family Fun Day on June 28 at Clark Farm on Hobart Street.
If you go
During the fireworks festival, 4 to 9 p.m., July 3, all coolers will be checked. Handicapped parking is available in the Danversbank parking lot on a first-come/first-serve basis. No tarps. Perimeter roads around the park will be closed at 7 a.m. (Rain date is July 5, same times)
A complete guide and event calendar for the Danvers Family Festival can be found at www.danversfamilyfestival.com. While there, you can order a 30th anniversary commemorative cookbook for $10.
For the latest event information, you can check the Web site or call a new hot line number, 978-777-0001, ext. 4.
The Polish Club will hold its 70th anniversary party June 28, 1 to 4 p.m., at the club on 12 Cheever St.
The North Shore Arc's 14th annual walk and family celebration also takes place June 28, 10 a.m. to noon, with the walk starting at noon from Plains Park and Holten Richmond Middle School. Call Becky Landry, 978-624-2401, or e-mail her at BLandry@nsarc.org.
A memorial fund has been set up in memory of Donnie Barnett for the fireworks festival. You can send a donation to Danvers Family Festival, P.O. Box 448, Danvers, MA 01923.
