Parade, fireworks to highlight July 4th events; Police urge residents to have a safe and happy holiday

The town of Winthrop’s annual Independence Day celebrations is scheduled to take place this Sunday, July 4. The Annual Horribles Parade, led by organizer Pete Gobiel and his Point Shirley volunteers are set to step off from the Public Landing at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning and veteran fireworks organizer Lou Camacho and his band of merry pyrotechnics aficionados ready to light up the night sky beginning at sunset on Sunday evening.

Gobiel explained weeks ago that a potential conflict with Holy Rosary Church’s Sunday morning service was averted when Father Tom offered to move his morning mass to an earlier time, so that the traditional Horribles Parade could begin at 9 a.m. at the landing.

Following the parade, which travels down Shirley Street to the Point Shirley Association building, participants will head to Coughlin Park, where children can participate in games and contests and prizes will be awarded.

Throughout the day on Sunday, Winthrop Police will be attempting to manage traffic and parking issues, as well as the public drinking and intoxication that can occasionally occur, in an effort to minimize problems when the sun starts to set and fireworks watchers start trying to get a good spot for the evening’s main event.

“We are preparing to put into place our plans for parking control and traffic management, as we have done in years past and we are warning residents and their visitors that local laws and ordinances with respect to public disturbances and drinking will be strenuously enforced,” explained Chief Terrence Delehanty.

Point Shirley will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 6 p.m. and will remain closed to traffic until after the fireworks display is over.

“Additionally, there will be no parking on the west side of Shirley from Bayview Ave. to Siren Street. There will be signs posted,” added Delehanty.

All motor vehicles parked on Point Shirley streets should be parked facing in the directions they will be required to move, once the streets are opened again following the fireworks.

In addition to the traffic loop following the fireworks, revelers are being cautioned not to start any outdoor bon fires, including on the beach, there is no sanctioned bon fire this year.

“The Winthrop police and fire departments will both have additional personnel on duty on both July 3 and July 4, to deal with the additional activity and reports of problems that may occur,” added the chief. “All residents hosting parties are asked to have their guests arrive early and park off the street or in parking lots to help ease congestion on the roadways.”

Another treat for those looking for an enjoyable way to enjoy the Fourth of July this year is a new harbor cruise business that has started up in Winthrop, under the name Revolution cruises.

Captain Tim Gover is offering 90-minute cruises of the harbor at 10 a.m., 12 noon and 2 p.m. with tickets at just $10 per person on a first come, first served basis.

“We’ll go out three times, whether we are full or empty,” said Gover.

Then from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Gover will take out one trip for a three-hour cruise with tickets going for just $25 per person. Gover’s ship will depart from the Town Pier at the Winthrop public Landing and tickets will be available at the boat or through the company website at www.RevBoston.com.

“The goal,” said Chief Delehanty. “Is to make sure that everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend and that the public is not endangered, or inconvenienced more than is reasonable.”