On May 17, 2026, our town will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of America. The Friends of Wellesley Veterans and the Wellesley Celebrations Committee are planning to make it BIG!

We have FIVE CHOICES for parade balloons in the 2026 Wellesley Veterans Parade.

The Wellesley Celebrations Committee and Friends of Wellesley Veterans want to pick the best choice!

So, we are letting Wellesley residents choose the final favorite. After you review the five choices, click here to vote!

Here are the five choices:

Option #1: Patriotic Heart

The 16' high heart will make a big statement coming down Washington Street and requires a minimum of six handlers. For this option, our parade balloon provider will be with us during the day with on-site training instructions. Given last year's success, these experts are confident that the Wellesley Boys Lacrosse Team is up for the challenge. After you review the five choices, click here to vote.

Option #2: Patriotic Hat:

Red, White and Blue Patriotic Hat is 12' and needs a minimum of six handlers. Even with its large size -- three times bigger than last year's balloons -- our expert advisors are confident that the Wellesley Boys Lacrosse Team will successfully handle the big balloon if chosen by our Wellesley residents. After you review the five choices, click here to vote.

Option #3: Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell, 22' high, requires a minimum of 10 handlers. Its large size will require the balloon to sometimes become horizontal as it makes it way down Washington Street. A tricky maneuver requiring skill, our parade balloon vendor knows that the Wellesley Boys Lacrosse Team can handle it. For this balloon, our parade balloon provider will be with us on-site during the day with training instructions. After you review the five choices, click here to vote.

Option #4: Three Stars - Red, White and Blue

Three stars will each require 4 handlers. Twice as large as last year's balloons, our parade balloon provider is confident that the Wellesley Boys Lacrosse Team can handle these big balloons. After you review the five choices, click here to vote.

Option #5: Flag

The flag requires 12 handlers and will be horizontal at times during the parade route. For this balloon, our parade balloon vendor will be with us during the day with on-site training instructions. Again, given last years success, they are confident that the Wellesley Boys Lacrosse Team will navigate the balloon down Washington Street for the 2-mile parade route. After you review the five choices, click here to vote.

And -- as an exciting addition -- other residents have pledged to join the Wellesley Country Club to match donations to fund the SECOND choice balloon in the parade. To fund the second choice balloon, donate on this page.

2026 Parade Balloon

2026 Wellesley Veterans Parade, Picnic, Concert, Fireworks