June 28, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
July 4
* 7 a.m. -- "Feel the Freedom" Hingham Recreation Road Race starts from Hingham Middle School, 1103 Main St. The 4.47-mile, runner-friendly course ends under the huge American flag in Hingham Square, followed by an awards ceremony for the top male and female finishers. This is one of the region's oldest footraces.
Bus transportation (face masks required) to the start of the race begins at 5:15 a.m., leaving from Station Street near the Euro Mart parking lot. At the end of the race, bus transportation back to the Middle School departs from South Street near the CVS parking lot starting at 7:30 a.m.
As part of the effort to provide as many summer camp scholarships as needed this summer, the Hingham Rec has teamed up with Best Chevrolet to offer a Covid-relief option at race registration.
By adding a “Covid-Relief Fund $50” donation at check-out, Best Chevrolet will match an additional $50 to help children get to camp in a year when many are struggling. Those interested in becoming a road race sponsor are asked to call the Hingham Rec at (781) 741-1464. (Visit hinghamrec.com for full road race details.)
* 7:30 to 10 a.m. -- The traditional Lions/Kiwanis Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast at Hingham Centre Common is a real crowd-pleaser, featuring pancakes, sausages, coffee, and juice. Cost: $7, adults; children, $3; and $25 for a family.
* 10 a.m. -- The Fourth of July Parade steps out from Hingham High School, featuring marching bands, colorful floats, antique cars, and much more. (See hinghamjuly4th.org for full details.)
The fireworks are cancelled for 2021 because Massachusetts COVID-19 restrictions and the state of emergency were not lifted early enough to allow the necessary preparation time. The Hingham Lions and the ad-Hoc Harborworks Committee said earlier that it was too late to secure the necessary permits needed to pull off a show this year and noted that fundraising efforts had ceased during COVID.
Parade-lovers can expect a spectacular event this year!
Hingham will celebrate the Fourth of July in a big way this year, starting with the "Feel the Freedom" Hingham Rec Road Race, followed by the Kiwanis/Lions Club pancake breakfast on Hingham Centre Common, and culminating in a parade that longtime Hingham resident George Ford -- who has led the event as "Uncle Sam" for more than a decade and considers it the honor of a lifetime -- promises will be "one of the most robust and spirited parades Hingham has ever had!"
As a member of the Fourth of July Parade Committee, Ford books the performers, which include marching bands and other attractions.
Thousands of spectators normally line the parade route to wave to Uncle Sam and participating family and friends and to view the bands, colorful floats, antique cars, and other parade features as they ride or walk by.
This year's parade will be held rain or shine on Sunday, July 4, stepping out from Hingham High School promptly at 10 a.m. However, in the event of a storm, the Hingham Police Department may call off the parade.
This year's theme is "Heroes Among Us" in honor of the many frontline workers who helped carry out essential services during the pandemic.
In the midst of uncertainty about whether the event was a "go" this year following last year's cancellation due to the pandemic, Ford and other parade committee members hopefully forged ahead with their efforts to make this the best parade ever -- if it were to happen.
"This involved initially contacting past performers and some new ones about their [potential availability] and continuing to stay in touch," Ford told the Hingham Anchor.
Their persistence paid off, because Gov. Charlie Baker lifted all COVID-19 restrictions effective late May, which meant the traditional parade would go on -- great news to the committee and the entire community.
"As a result, the parade will feature about 18 performers -- including two Dixieland bands, a drum and bugle corps, the Shriners' clowns, six Clydesdales pulling wagons, three drum and piper bands, a Mexican Mariachi band, and two newcomers -- the stately National Lancers mounted on horses from Framingham and the Kickin' Brass Band," Ford is pleased to report. "It will be wonderful to see some old favorites participating again, along with a couple of new performers. This parade will cause everyone extreme enjoyment!"
Upwards of 25,000 spectators -- including former Hingham residents who return year after year to watch this hometown event -- normally line the parade route from Hingham Centre to the downtown area, many decked out in red, white, and blue and wearing parade buttons.
In keeping with the 2021 "Heroes Among Us" theme, frontline workers are invited to register to walk in the parade as grand marshals as a tribute to their tireless efforts during this challenging time.
Frontline workers include doctors, nurses, bank tellers, take-out window staff, grocery workers, letter carriers, and others.
Frontline workers interested in participating must register by June 30 by filling out the form at hingham-ma.gov or by contacting the Parade Committee at Hingham4th@gmail.com.
The Fourth of July Parade is funded exclusively through the generosity of corporate sponsors, the 50 Flags Campaign, other fundraising activities, and registration fees. All funds go to the parade, which costs an average of $55,000 a year to put on, including all related expenses. No tax money is used.
In addition to donations and sponsorships by residents and local businesses, the sale of parade buttons by Hingham businesses and others is a major fundraiser. The Hingham Rotary Club plays a key role in selling the buttons, both before the event and along the parade route.
For more information about this year's Fourth of July celebration, including the parade history, sponsorships, route, parking restrictions, and detours or to make a donation, visit hinghamjuly4th.org or email hingham4th@gmail.com.