HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Officials from the town of Bedford invite members of Team Hanscom and their families to join them Sept. 23 in celebrating the 294th anniversary of the town’s incorporation.
The Bedford Day celebrations begin with a 5K road race for runners or walkers starting at 8:30 a.m. from the John Glenn Middle School. The race route includes McMahon, Concord, and Davis Roads, and the side roads in Davis Loop. Participants can register now with the Bedford Recreation Department, by calling 781-275-1392, or at the registration table at John Glenn Middle School on Bedford Day. The registration table opens at 7:30 a.m.
The annual Bedford Day Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Town Hall complex, 10 Mudge Way. Parking is available behind the library, the high school, and in the St. Michael’s Church parking lot at 90 Concord Road. The fair includes food, activities, and entertainment for all ages. In addition, members of Hanscom AFB’s 66th Security Forces Squadron’s K-9 section will be conducting military working dog demonstrations.
“The Bedford Police Department asked us for assistance doing security sweeps with some of our K-9 teams,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew D. Ramon, military working dog handler, 66th Security Forces Squadron. “It is a perfect opportunity to do a little demonstration while we’re there and show people what they can do.”
The celebration also features a parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. The parade route begins at Loomis Street and runs north on the Great Road to the reviewing stand located at the entrance of Mudge Way. Parade participants include Bedford town officials and local organizations. Team Hanscom representatives Maj. Gen. Anthony Genatempo, program executive officer for Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, and Networks, and Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, installation command chief, will march with local dignitaries, and Airmen of the 319th Recruiting Squadron will have their miniature F-16 float in the parade, accompanied by other Team Hanscom members.
“We are thrilled to have members of Hanscom Air Force Base participating in our Bedford Day festivities,” said Nikki Taylor, assistant director, Bedford Recreation Department. “Our friends at Hanscom Air Force Base are an integral and important part of our community and we look forward to celebrating together.”
The Great Road from Loomis Street to North and Concord Roads will be closed for the parade from 10 a.m. until noon, and traffic will be detoured away from the area. No traffic or parking is allowed on Mudge Way during the fair, and no parking at any time will be allowed behind the town center that day. The overnight parking ban on The Great Road will be extended until after the end of the parade.
There will also be fireworks at 7:30 p.m. with the main viewing area between Bedford High School and the town center. Both Railroad Avenue and McMahon Road will be closed before and during the fireworks. Portable restrooms will be available in front of Bedford High School.
The Bedford Day events are held rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, the events will be canceled; there is no rain date.
For additional information about the events, visit https://www.bedfordma.gov/269/Bedford-Day or contact the town’s Recreation Department at 781-275-1392.