By Gail McCarthy
Staff writer
July 03, 2008 06:00 am Celebrations of the nation's independence will take place throughout Cape Ann over the next two days, with events from parades, to fireworks to skydiving. Gloucester will continue its longstanding tradition tonight with the annual Fishtown Horribles Parade, which steps off from Gloucester High School at 6 p.m. A few hours later, fireworks over Gloucester Harbor will begin at 10 p.m. sharp. 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 route goes to Stacy Boulevard (via Centennial Avenue) and follows the Boulevard 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. Barry Pett, president of the Gloucester Fund, said as of last week the fund has successfully raised the money to pay for this year's July 3 fireworks show, which is launched from Stage Fort Park.
Rockport Neighboring Rockport will hold its Fourth of July events tomorrow with its annual Fireman's Parade starting at 6 p.m. from the Rockport Public School complex on Jerden's Lanes. Residents and visitors line up along South Street to Dock Square. From there the parade marches up Main Street to Beach Street and ends 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 congregate 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-by-the-Sea The town of Manchester-by-the-Sea will hold its fireworks first, tonight at 9 p.m. at Singing Beach. Tomorrow will be filled with many other events. The Manchester Fourth of July Committee, in coordination with the Manchester Police, has formulated a new parking plan for the fireworks, although officials are encouraging residents to walk to the beach from their homes or park in town and walk down from there. Motorists will be directed to park along the harbor side lane of Beach Street to create a safe lane on the other side of the street for pedestrians. Police will require vehicles to park facing towards the center of town so people can drive away without U-turns for pedestrian safety. The day of July 4, the historic annual parade — noted for the antique cars — kicks off at 9:30 a.m. The Manchester parade, which dates back more than a century, starts out on Vine Street and returns to Vine Street via Norwood Avenue, Central Street, Pine Street, Pleasant Street, and School Street. Following the parade, there will be festivities at Coach Ed Field starting at 11 a.m., followed by the skydiving event at noon.
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