Fourth of July parade a ‘go’ for this year

May 17, 2021 Carol Britton Meyer

"We're back in business!" July Fourth Parade Committee Chair Jim Murphy reported to the Hingham Anchor Monday night after talking with Town Administrator Tom Mayo.

This means there will be a Fourth of July parade this year after all based on Gov. Charlie Baker's May 17 announcement that under the state's latest reopening plan -- effective May 29 -- all Massachusetts businesses and industries, including parades and festivals, can start operating at 100 percent capacity. The State of Emergency will end June 15.

"There will be no restrictions, per the governor's announcement," Murphy said. "Uncle Sam [the real-life George Ford, who books the bands and other entertainment for the parade] will be contacting our paid performers [to see if they are still available], and we'll be jump-starting the parade mechanism to get things in motion."

The parade committee has been working with the town's Incident Management Team Command Group in making a decision about whether this year's event would be cancelled, postponed, or go on as usual, with safety as the first priority.

Members of the Command Group include Mayo, Asst. Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur, the police chief and deputy chief, the fire chief -- who also serves as emergency management director -- the deputy fire chief of administration, and Executive Health Officer Susan Sarni.

The parade committee will continue working with the Command Group to ensure a safe event for participants, spectators, and everyone involved. More details will be available at a later date.