Dedham Day Coming Up On Sunday

DEDHAM, MA - Dedham is gearing up for Sunday's 30th annual celebration of Dedham Day, a time when residents gather to celebrate community pride, participate in games and have a chance to win money through a unique game called a "cow plop."

It will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at Barnes Memorial Park, located at 131 Eastern Ave. Anticipation is high, as the event had to be canceled last year due to the pandemic.

Dedham Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Debbie Anderson said that the event is organized by Friends of Dedham Recreation. While there is no admission fee, the proceeds earned go toward programming at the Parks and Recreation Department not sponsored by funding from the town.

"This is an old and obviously loved Dedham tradition," Anderson said on behalf of the Friends. "It's a great family day, especially for the little ones who can enjoy the carnival rides and games."

There also will be face painting, crafts and demonstrations.

She added that between 8,000 and 10,000 people usually attend, and she expects to see at least 8,000 people this year.

"This is the first large community event we've had since the pandemic," Anderson said. "It's great because people have been itching to get out, and it helps that it is an outdoor event."

Adults will have an opportunity to learn about town organizations, government committees and vendors throughout the area at information tables.

"We have a range of providers who participate," she said, from local shops to social service groups. "This is really an opportunity for people to connect and to see what the town has to offer."

Anderson added it is an opportune time to promote local businesses that were struggling during the pandemic.

Everyone can enjoy the cookout-style barbecue. Food vendors will provide traditional carnival fare such as fried dough, lemonade and other treats. Those over 21 can get a drink from the beer garden.

The highlight of the day is a unique form of bingo called a "cow plop," a Dedham Day tradition.

"We take a football field-sized area of the park and we line it with 3,000 squares that are one square yard each," Anderson said. "Individuals can purchase squares for $10 each, getting what we call 'deeds.' The squares are randomly assigned, so I always say that numbers one and two are not next to each other."

Between 2 and 4 p.m., a cow is brought in to graze on the field. When the first one decides to leave its mark on a plot, the deed owner of that square will get $5,000 - what one might call a happy accident.

"There are four prizes," Anderson explained. "The first winner gets $5,000, the second gets $2,500, the third gets $1,000 and the fourth gets $500."

One cow is provided by the Historic O'Neil Farm in Duxbury, the last remaining dairy farm in the town. The other will come from Seagate Farm in Marshfield.

"The two farms work in cooperation with each other," Anderson said. "When one cow gets tired, the other will step in."

Deeds are being sold by the Friends of Dedham Recreation at locations throughout town. They will also be on sale at the event.

"We'll keep selling the deeds until the four squares are filled, so to speak," Anderson said.