The red, white and blue and a whole lot of colorful "horribles" will be on parade in Gloucester and other Cape Ann communities beginning tomorrow, when residents throughout the region celebrate our nation's independence with parades and fireworks, and even a performance by a former "American Idol" hopeful.
Gloucester takes the lead tomorrow night, continuing its longstanding tradition with the annual Fishtown Horribles Parade, which steps off from Gloucester High School at 6 p.m.
A few hours later, at 10 p.m., the fireworks over Gloucester Harbor will begin.
In addition to the colorful cast of characters who dress up as "horribles," the parade includes bands, floats, politicians and businesses.
After leaving the high school, the parade travels to Stacy Boulevard via Centennial Avenue and follows the Western Avenue to Rogers Street, then to Manuel Lewis Road, Main Street, Pleasant Street, Prospect Street, Railroad Avenue, Washington Avenue, and then back to the high school via Centennial Avenue.
For those looking for something to do before and after the parade, there will also be a special musical event on the Boulevard near the Bridge House. That's in the form of a free concert featuring Bingo Fridays, Runaround and "American Idol" semifinalist Ayla Brown. The concert starts around 5 p.m., and will resume after the Horribles parade passes the Tavern on Western Avenue.
Barry Pett sent out his annual reminder in his quest to keep the fireworks tradition alive by seeking donations, large and small, to the Gloucester Fund. He said for anyone wanting to contribute to the fireworks, there will be donations containers at the concert or they can send a check to The Gloucester Fund, with fireworks in the memo section, to 45 Middle St. in Gloucester.
"This helps us to ensure a show for Labor Day weekend for the Schooner Festival and the Boat Light parade," Pett said.
Also, while residents and visitors used to arrive days ahead of time in recreational vehicles to park along Western Avenue for the Horribles parade, that will not be allowed this year.
Parking for the parade will be strictly enforced, and Gloucester Police announced this week that officers would be monitoring overnight parking along Western Avenue to keep people from reserving on-street parking spaces along the parade route.
"Violators who park between midnight and 6 a.m. will be towed," Interim Police Chief Michael Lane said of those who try to save spots tonight or early Friday morning. "The last thing we want to do is tag and tow, but that is what we will do if it is violated."
Police enforced the same rule last July, and hope for a similar level of success this Friday.
"Last year, it worked out well," Lane said. "6 a.m. is ample time to get in place."
Rockport
Neighboring Rockport will hold its Fourth of July events on the Fourth — Saturday — with its annual Fireman's Parade starting at 6 p.m. from the Rockport Public School complex on Jerden's Lane.
Residents and visitors line up along the route that goes from South Street to Dock Square, down Main Street to Beach Street, ending at the bandstand near Back Beach.
The Rockport Fireman's Association sponsors the annual Independence Day parade, and hopes people along the parade route will have a few dollar bills ready to donate.
Following the parade, the public can gather in the Back Beach area for the annual bonfire, which begins "when all the hot dogs are sold" — generally around dusk, any time after 8:30 p.m. The bonfire is built with wooden pallets stacked high, with a surprise structure at the very top. There will also be music playing from the bandstand.
Manchester
Despite this summer being an offseason for fireworks — the town presents them every other year — there is still a large parade planned to celebrate the country's independence.
The annual Fourth of July Parade will start Saturday morning at 9:30 at Manchester Essex Regional High School on Lincoln Street.
The route will follow Lincoln Street to Vine Street, then continue on School Street, Pleasant Street, Pine Street, Central Street, Union Street — going past Beach Street and, yes, going the wrong way up Union Street. It will then follow to Norwood Avenue, and finish at Coach Ed Field Playground on Brook Street.
All of the aforementioned streets will be closed at 9 a.m. Saturday to make way for the parade.
The celebration lasts for about two hours, and at Ed Field Playground there will be a raffle drawing, followed by skydivers landing on the field, weather permitting.
Parks and Recreation Director Matt Casparius said there will be 10 bands, four militia units, fire engines, and antique cars in the parade. Since parade floats don't have to sign up beforehand, Casparius wasn't sure how many there will be, but expects a typical crowd of about 35 to 40 floats.
Essex Boat Parade
The Chebacco Lake and Watershed Association will sponsor Essex's annual Fourth of July Boat Parade on Saturday at 1 p.m.
All boats will meet in front of Camp Menorah and proceed around the entire lake. Prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic and Best Movie Theme. For details, call 978-468-7715.
Gail McCarthy can be reached at gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com. Cameron Kittle can be reached at gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com.
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