Marion Gunning and Jeanne McDonald are picturd at the registration table at the annual Fourth of July Celebration at Gowdy Park in Lynn.
Estelle Dill said the first Fourth of July Celebration at Gowdy Park was held in 2003.
“Kathy Lozzi [wife of Ward 1 City Councilor Wayne Lozzi] actually brought it back after a two-year hiatus and we met at her house and put it together,” recalled Dill, noting that Jayne Brady, Marion Gunning, and Linda Sullivan also served on the original committee.
More than 250 children and families enjoyed this year’s celebration held July 4 at the park located off of Lynnfield Street.
There was a parade, games, sprint races, the Gowdy mile race, pony rides, and a raffle table, free slush, and other refreshments.
John Lang, assisted by his wife, Deb, served as the master of ceremonies for the presentation of awards to children for “the bests” in costumes, floats, bicycles, carriages and wagons, and scooters.
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy and Councilor Lozzi were among the donors to the event. Maura Hughes of Hughes Real Estate donated Red Sox tickets for the raffle while Dunkin’ Donuts at Goodwin Circle donated munchkins and coffee.
While Gowdy Park is located in Ward 1, Dill said children and families from all parts of the city were invited to attend the free celebration.
“We had a large sign near the fire station that advertised the event and we welcomed everyone to enjoy the holiday morning at Gowdy,” said Dill.