Annual Cow Flap Highlights Dedham Day Festivities

Juliette the cow never misses a Dedham Day, and Sunday proved no exception as the Friends of Dedham Recreation and Friends of the Dedham Pool hosted the 23rd annual Dedham Day at on Sunday. 

The event featured games, rides, live entertainment, food and annual Juliette's yearly romp through a deeded field. 

Director Robert Stanley said at least 2,000 deeds were sold for the cow flap, which helps raise money for recreation programs. 

"There's a lot going on in Dedham, and this is one of many great events," Stanley said of the Dedham Day festivities. 

Lexington resident Ken Joyce earned $5,000 thanks to Juliette's efforts, while Dedham residents the Scolastico family and Marcia Cardinale won $2,500 and $1,000, respectively, as second and third place finishers. 

But Dedham Day offered more than a cow flap to attendees. 

Dedham Recreation commissioner Jim Maher said at least 4,500 people attended the event as it gave Dedham residents and those who have left the town a chance to return to their roots.

"I think there's a lot more young kids and people that have moved out of Dedham a long time ago at this year's event," Maher said. "It's nice. That's the way we planned the event."

Stanley said much of the event was planned before the start of the summer, but some aspects took at least a year to develop.

Maher added at least 75 volunteers assisted with the event.

Attendees reaped the benefits of Friends of Dedham Recreation's and Friends of the Dedham Pool's efforts. 

Dedham Day participants could win a collection of prizes as the event offered games including a bean bag toss, horseshoes and a hoop shot event. 

"Today has been pretty good," North American Amusement's Paul Thompson said of the hoop shot booth. "A lot of people are coming up to give it a shot."

Rides gave children and adults an opportunity to whirl, twirl and spin in an amusement park atmosphere. 

Attendees could enjoy a barbecue feast at the event, thanks in part to the Dedham 375 Committee.

Stanley said the committee donated hamburgers and hot dogs to the event.

Stanley said the Dedham 375th anniversary celebration may have impacted Dedham Day's attendance this year, but added the Dedham 375 Committee's donations provided a substantial boost to the 23rd annual Dedham Day.

"It hurt a little bit, but this more than makes up for it," Stanley said.