PEABODY — There may not be fireworks, but there will be plenty of other ways for local families to get together with friends and celebrate the Fourth of July.
All six of the city’s wards are planning festivities chock-full of family fun. From a movie night to picnics to egg tosses, to parades, sack races, plenty of hot dogs and hamburgers and live music, the city has something for everyone to jump start the Fourth.
Ward 1’s celebration will take the form of the Horribles Parade, to be held on Sunday, July 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Raddin Park.
The parade starts at 9:45 and will feature a Peabody Fire Department escort. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes, scooters, chairs and carriages and dress in patriotic attire. Games and races begin at 10 a.m. There will be a 50-yard dash, 3-point contest and hula hoop contests with prizes for the winners. A DJ will be on hand to provide music. The program includes exciting demonstrations and a special guest appearance. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, drinks and slush will be provided. To participate in the Horribles Parade, please arrive at the corner of Blair Terrace and Lynnfield Street by 9:30 a.m. If you need more information or would like to volunteer, call Councilor Craig Welton at 978-408-7892.
The Ward 2 celebration is scheduled for July 4, rain or shine, at the Welch School, 50 Swampscott Ave. The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the National Anthem and a patriotic parade. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes, scooters, wagons and carriages and dress in patriotic attire.
After the parade, all children will receive a free Independence Day fun bag with games, snacks, party supplies and food and ice cream gift certificates to take home and enjoy. All children will be automatically entered in a raffle for a bicycle. For more information or to volunteer to help, call Councilor Peter McGinn at 978-531-3587.
The Ward 3 celebration will take place at Connolly Park from 9 a.m. to noon. A Horribles Parade, races and an egg toss are just a few of the activities that are planned. Hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn and drinks will be served. For questions or to sign up to volunteer, contact Councilor James Moutsoulas 978-473-1090.
Ward 4 will be celebrating the Fourth at Emerson Park in a new and exciting way on Friday, July 2 with a special outdoor movie and live entertainment fit for the entire family.
Participants are encouraged to arrive at 6 p.m. and bring picnic dinners, blankets and chairs. Movie snacks and goodies will be provided. A magician will perform at approximately 7 p.m. with the movie starting at 8:15 p.m.
Post your favorite movie suggestions to Councilor Ed Charest’s “Ed Charest for Ward 4” Facebook page.
Ward 5’s celebration will take place on Sunday, July 4 at Lt. Ross Park off Johnson Street from 9 a.m. to noon. The fun begins with the Peabody Police Car & Fire Truck Escorted Bicycle, Tricycle & Doll Carriage Parade starting from the Kiley Brothers administration building to the park. Participants are encouraged to decorate their entries with a patriotic theme. Line-up for the parade will be at 9 a.m.
All participants will receive a prize. Peabody’s own Deana Geomelos will kick off the celebration with the National Anthem, preceded by a flag raising. Ward 5 military service veterans will also be honored. Following the parade, the fun continues with a DJ, games and a visit from The Ice Cream Man. Lunch, featuring world-famous Santarpio’s pizza, will be served beginning at 11 a.m.
Beverages will also be provided. If anyone would like to help with any of the activities or would like to donate a gift certificate or raffle item for the Ward 5 Scholarship Fund, contact Councilor Joel Saslaw at 978-535-2204 or email him at [email protected].
Ward 6 will celebrate the Fourth with its traditional family picnic at Symphony Hall on Sunday, July 4 from 9 a.m.-noon.The day begins with a patriotic parade at 9 for doll carriages, wagons, tricycles and bicycles. Participants are encouraged to decorate their entries with a patriotic theme. Registration for the parade will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Following the parade there will be a dance party, field games (sack races and running races, etc.), a basketball free-throw shooting contest, moon bounce and coins in the hay. Curious Creatures is attending with a collection of interesting animals.
The Fire Department will make a special appearance with a truck. Grilled hot dogs, burgers, potato chips and drinks will be served for lunch. The day concludes with the traditional Ward 6 egg-toss competition. Anyone interested in helping with this event should contact Mark O’Neill at 978-535-0563.
With safety as the first priority, all Health Department best practices are being followed at each celebration.
Please screen your family for COVID-19 symptoms prior to the event. Anyone with symptoms should not attend. Anyone with recent exposure to an individual with COVID-19 or awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test should not attend. It is recommended that masks be worn by any individuals who are not fully vaccinated.
