Fourth Festivities in Town Set

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Yes, the Town’s annual fireworks are on for Tuesday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m. and will be launched from Coughlin Park, the center of festivities.

Earlier in the day on July Fourth, the annual Horribles parade along Shirley Street will be held. The gathering of marchers take place at just after 8 a.m. and the parade steps off at 9 a.m. Participants are asked to gather at the Landing and everyone is encouraged to participate as the parade marches to Coughlin Park. The more people who march, the better the parade, said organizer Peter Gobiel.

“It’s a long-standing tradition,” Gobiel said. “It’s a one mile slow move parade. It’s a fun old-style parade.”

The parade is about 135 years old and has been run for over 50 years by the Gobiel family. The parade is free to participate in and there are prizes for different decorating schemes. At Coughlin Park there will also be some old fashioned races and games to participate in.

To celebrate and raise funds for the fireworks,  special t-shirts are still being sold at the Winthrop Pro Shop, 72 Jefferson St. or at the Winthrop Fire Department at 40 Pauline St. shirts come in sizes S-XL for $10 and XXL and XXXL are $15.

The fireworks would not be possible without the sponsors, donors and supportive residents. One hundred percent of the expenses for the fireworks display depend on donations. The fireworks committee appreciates the any donations to make this year’s show outstanding.

Donations are greatly appreciated. Make checks payable to: The Town of Winthrop Fireworks and mailed to the Town of Winthrop, 40 pauline St., Winthrop, MA 02152.