Leaglized Vandalism-August 13, 1976

Fourth Annual Recreation Department Carnival at Junior High South Nets $600 for Muscular Dystrophy Association Despite Hurricane Belle Delay

⠀

Offering a day packed with games, rides, and food for local families, the Norwood Recreation Department’s fourth annual carnival raised more than $600 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at Junior High South. Department program director Gerald Miller noted that attendance, which “blossomed as the day went on,” would have been even higher had it not been for the threat of Hurricane Belle, whose approach forced organizers to postpone the event from Monday.

Among the standout attractions was a custom surfing machine invented by Needham resident Sam Wye, which allowed youngsters to “surf” in a four-inch-deep pool propelled by a motor and pulley system. Other popular festival staples included traditional carousel rides, a moon walk, fortune telling, and a crowd-favorite “legalized vandalism” booth where participants paid to smash an old sedan with a sledgehammer—captured vividly in a photograph by Daniel T. Power. Miller praised local merchants for coming through “with flying colors” by donating radios, clothing, and merchandise for prizes, while food booths served up hot dogs, hamburgers, salt-water taffy, and baked goods alongside an arts and crafts table featuring handmade creations from children at the summer playgrounds. Proceeds from the charity event were added to funds raised by the department’s concurrent softball tournament.

(Reporting by local archives and photography by Daniel T. Power for The Patriot Ledger).

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger