Eight bands and "many, many floats" will make their way through downtown Rockport next weekend as part of the Rockport Firemen's Association annual Independence Day parade.

As in years past, the parade will step off Saturday, July 4, at 6 p.m. from the Jerden's Lane school complex.

The parade will head down Jerden's Lane, bear left on South Street through Mount Pleasant Street, continue through Dock Square, then up Main Street before taking a right on Beach Street and ending at Back Beach.

There is no pre-registration required for floats or "horribles" entries. Participants in the parade should approach the school complex via Summer Street; Jerden's Lane at South Street will be blocked off.

There will be various prizes for the best floats and horribles. Additionally, refreshments will be sold at the Legion Hall at Back Beach.

"And of course, our world-famous bonfire will be lit at dusk," said Firemen's Association Vice President Jack Hennessey.

The association is also holding a bake sale today, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Whistlestop Mall and Ace Smith Hardware. Rain date for the parade is Sunday, July 5.

New Art Hot Spot: YMCA Teen Center

Rockport teens have found a place to express their artistic sides.

The YMCA's Ben Beyea Youth & Teen Center is the new hot spot for the arts in Rockport, said Teen Center Director Nikki Klink.

Local artist Garret Brown has been working with local teens on several different art projects including, murals of abstract trees, inspiring sayings, and cartoon characters. The teens are also working on 3D projects such as furniture design and have been painting the tables and chairs around the youth center as well.

Thanks to a Rockport Cultural Council grant, the teens were able to paint the garden boxes for the flowers and planted vegetables are growing. The teens each designed their own board that contributed to the garden boxes.

"The more teens create art around here, the more they take ownership of the facility and look at this place as home," Klink said.

The artistic energy will continue into the summer as youth start creating recycled art projects.

Quick hits

The First Baptist Church of Rockport invites area elementary students to attend the 2009 vacation Bible School: Wildwood Forest.

In the Wildwood Forest, students will "explore the untamed nature of God" through Bible dramas, games, snacks, crafts, and more, said Matt Wigton. The adventure will run July 13 to 17 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.firstbaptistrockport.org or call 978-546-6121.

The Friends of the Rockport Public Library are seeking donations of "gently used" books for the summer book sale, which runs July 10 to 12.

Paperback books, hardcover books, children's books, DVDs, VCRs, and tapes in good condition are all welcome and can be brought to the library during regular operating hours Saturday through Thursday.

People in the news

The Kimball Book Prize was recently awarded to Rockport Elementary School students who were nominated by their classroom teachers, based on benefactor David Kimball's criteria that recipients of the award be students "who distinguish themselves by their good behavior and who manifest a desire to improve."

Each winner received a book selected by school Librarian Patricia Hussey and Amy Pierson of Toad Hall Bookstore.

Students who received the Kimball Book Prize for 2009 were: kindergartners Robby Herrick, Christopher Tranos, and Cora Johnson; first-graders Nathan McWilliams and Colt Roller; second-graders Hattie Mae Rich and Madolin Beaulieu; multi-age first- and second-graders Riley Fennessey, Arianna Bouchie, and Valerie Wise; third-graders David Warde, Masso Beauvais, and Elise Kanegis; fourth-graders Bobby Muniz, Irina Biloiu and Robbie Welcome; fifth-graders Marleigh Callahan, Bailey Coats and Valentina Jimenez; and multi-age fourth- and fifth-graders Brynn Mountain and Reid Levick.

A number of residents were appointed or reappointed by selectmen to positions on town boards and committees at a Board meeting Tuesday, June 16.

John Krenn was unanimously appointed to a five-year term on the Board of Appeals and Allen Avenue resident Robert Rick was unanimously appointed to a position on the Finance Committee.

Meanwhile, Charles Nichols Jr. and John Lucas were both reappointed to the Harbor Advisory Committee by 5-0 votes and Thomas Delaney was unanimously reappointed to the Personnel Board.

Rockport Ramblings is compiled each week by reporter Jonathan L'Ecuyer. If you have an item for Ramblings, call L'Ecuyer at 978-283-7000, ext. 3451, or e-mail jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.