Tonight's Fishtown Horribles Parade and the fireworks that will follow will kick off a busy weekend of Fourth of July holiday celebrations.
But tonight's downtown events aren't the only Independence Day celebrations — even within the city.
Two of Gloucester's historic villages will host celebrations of their own tomorrow, with the second annual Magnolia Fourth of July Parade set for tomorrow morning, and Lanesville's annual village parade set for tomorrow night, after a day of other commemorative centering on the Lanesville Community Center.
Magnolia parade
In Magnolia, a children's Fourth of July parade steps off at 10 a.m. from in front of the Magnolia Library, said Jamie O'Hara, a parade organizer and member of Gloucester's Citizens for Public Safety organization. The parade, founded last year by James Fiahlo, who is heading it up again this year, proceeds down to Magnolia Square, Norman and Fuller streets; it then continues up Fuller and to Hesperus Avenue, eventually returning to the library.
"Any kids who want to show up and join in, all are welcome," said O'Hara. "And if adults want to become kids for the day, that's OK."
The parade will be followed by a community cookout at Magnolia Landing.
Lanesville Extravaganza
The more established Lanesville Fourth of July Parade tomorrow night follows a day-long series of community events centering on the Lanesville Community Center.
The Lanesville Fourth of July "Extravaganza," as it's billed by the nonprofit and volunteer Lanesville Emergency Action Program, opens with the 10 a.m. Whistleblowers 4k road race, with registration set for 8:30 to 9:45 at the community center.
There will be a barbecue from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the Whistleblowers mile-long fun run at 10:45. A scavenger hunt will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an open softball game set for 2 p.m. and float building from 1:15 to 2.
That all sets the stage for the annual Lanesville Fourth of July Parade, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at Lanes Cove. The marchers then proceed up Andrew Street, heads down Washington Street to Young Avenue, and then swings up Young and back down Tucker Street, returning to Lanes Cove.
Anyone is welcome to participate, and can create a float — though no motorized or mechanized floats are permitted.
The parade will be followed by Lanesville's traditional Fourth of July bonfire at 9 p.m.
Rockport band reaches out
Meanwhile, groups in other Cape Ann communities are also fine-tuning their plans for Fourth of July parades and other events tomorrow,
In Rockport, the Rockport Firemen's Marching Clown Band is welcoming woodwind and brass musicians to march with them in their 46th consecutive appearance in the town's Fourth of July Parade. Anyone wishing to join with the band needs their instrument, an "outlandish" costume and the ability to read fundamental march music, organizer George Ramsden said.
The band will organize tomorrow at 5 p.m. at the home of Steve and Linda Rowell, 7 Seagull St., across from the high school parking lot. Anyone seeking more information may call Ramdsen at 978- 546-6123.
The parade steps off at 6 p.m. from the school complex on Jerden's Lane.
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