Here's how communities across Cape Ann are celebrating the Fourth of July this weekend.
Sail Gloucester
TODAY THROUGH TUESDAY
Inaugural Tall Ships festival on Gloucester waterfront, featuring visiting Tall Ships Picton Castle, Lewis R. French and American Eagle, along with schooners Spirit of Massachusetts, Gloucester's own Schooner Adventure and the Thomas E. Lannon. The barque Picton Castle is scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m. today; the Lewis R. French and American Eagle are expected to arrive at a time still to be confirmed tomorrow.
Parades & More
TODAY
Rockport
Rockport's Fourth of July Fireman's Parade starts at 6 p.m. from the Rockport Public School complex on Jerdens 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. After the parade, the public can gather in the Back Beach area for the annual bonfire around 8:30 p.m.
Manchester
Fourth of July Parade starts this morning at 9:30 at Manchester Essex Regional High School on Lincoln Street. The route follows Lincoln Street to Vine Street, continues 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 then continues Norwood Avenue, and finish at Coach Ed Field Playground, Brook Street.
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.
Essex Boat Parade
The Chebacco Lake and Watershed Association sponsors the annual Essex Fourth of July Boat Parade today at 1 p.m. All boats will meet in front of Camp Menorah and proceed around the lake. Prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic and Best Movie Theme. Details: (978) 468-7715.
Magnolia Parade
Fourth of July Magnolia Children's Parade at 10 a.m. from in front of the Magnolia Library. Parade proceeds to Magnolia Square, Norman and Fuller streets, then up Fuller and to Hesperus Avenue, returning to the library. Parade will be followed by a community cookout at Magnolia Landing.
Lanesville Parade/Extravaganza
The Lanesville Fourth of July "Extravaganza," hosted by the nonprofit and volunteer Lanesville Emergency Action Program, opens with Whistleblowers 4k road race at 10 a.m., followed by barbecue from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., mile-long Fun Run at 10:45, scavenger hunt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and softball game at 2 p.m.
The Lanesville Fourth of July Parade, a grassroots effort that is not affiliated with LEAP or the community center programs, starts at 6:30 p.m. at Lanes Cove. The parade proceeds up Andrew Street and down Washington Street to Young Avenue, then up Young and back down Tucker Street, returning to Lanes Cove. Anyone is welcome to participate, though no motorized or mechanized floats are permitted. Bonfire will follow parade at 9 p.m.
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