Horribles Parade Set for Fourth of July

A grand Winthrop tradition — the Pt. Shirley Fourth of July Horribles Parade — is returning after a year’s absence that was mandated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Horribles Parade is open to residents of all ages. Entrants are urged to arrive at the Public Landing on Shirley St. (next to the Winthrop Y.C.) between 7:30-8:00 on Sunday morning in order to register. The parade will start promptly at 9:00 sharp when the streets along the parade route will be closed.

The route is approximately one mile long, traversing Shirley St., to Tafts Ave., then circling back on Eliot St. past the Holy Rosary Church, where the reviewing stand will be situated, and then onto Coughlin Park via Grand View Ave.

Entrants will be judged in six categories, including Most Patriotic, Most Hilarious, Most Original, Most Beautiful, Most Horrible, and Best Float, and the always-coveted prizes will be awarded.

The Board of Health is requiring that all persons at the Public Landing must be masked, but will be able to remove their masks as they parade along the route.

Candy may NOT be tossed either by, or at, the participants along the parade route.

There will be a modified set of activities at Coughlin Playground for the youngsters, but there will not be the traditional blueberry pie-eating contest.

Goodie bags and the usual refreshments will not be available for sale at Coughlin Playground, but Senator Joe Boncore graciously has donated water for the event.