November 13, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
The Fourth of July Parade Committee is seeking new members to “refill our ranks with action-oriented folks who are willing to learn and help us make the parade a success given the number of members who will be stepping down over the next two years,” Committee Co-Chair Pat Kirk told the Hingham Anchor.
Longtime parade committee member George Ford –who marched for the last time as Uncle Sam this year — has already stepped down.
Current co-chair Jim Murphy, who has served on the committee since 2008, and other members will be stepping down in 2025 and 2026. Ford played a major role in booking the paid performers.
Kirk — who is co-chairing the event this year with Murphy, will step into the chair role next year. “We’re looking forward to a smooth transition,” Kirk said.
Fourth of July Parade Committee member Paul Callahan will assume the role of Uncle Sam starting with the 2025 event.
The parade committee — which is already planning for next year’s festivities — is made up of 14 active contributors — 6 of them new as of 2024.
“We welcome volunteers of all ages, from high school-aged kids and up,” Kirk said.
Everyone enjoys the parade. “It’s the biggest event in Hingham each year. Many people don’t realize that the parade is entirely funded through money raised by the committee,” Kirk explained. “Our biggest pillars are the 50 Flags Campaign, the sale of parade buttons, and corporate donations. The 50 Flags Campaign is especially challenging operationally, so the more hands we can get the better!”
Some parade committee members help during the planning months but are away on the 4th, “while others show up on the 4th to provide extra help for the committee,” Murphy said. “We’ve had remarkable contributions by people who only participated for a single year. Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to help, there are plenty of things to do, and we love new ideas!”
For more details or to volunteer, reach out to Hingham4th@gmail.com. Parade information is also available on Instagram @hingham4thparade.
Everyone with an interest in the parade, including potentially serving as a member, is invited to attend the parade committee’s Monday, Dec. 9, meeting at 7 p.m. at South Shore Country Club. The agenda will include reviewing transition roles, improving “day of” experiences, additional safety measures, and other paid performer ideas, among other subjects.
“We need additional volunteers [to ensure the continuation of the parade],” Murphy said.