Get Ready for a Fun-Filled Fourth of July!!

By Carol Britton Meyer

There's a renewed appreciation for Hingham's traditional Fourth of July celebration following the cancellation of the parade and surrounding events last year due to the pandemic.

There's lots to look forward to, beginning with the "Feel the Freedom" Hingham Rec Road Race starting from Hingham Middle School at 7 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony for the top finishers in downtown Hingham.

The Lions/Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on Hingham Centre Common is sure to be a crowd-pleaser as always. Go early to avoid long lines!  

Harbor Media, Hingham's hyperlocal television station, has been hard at work preparing for our first-ever LIVE 4th of July parade and pre-show.

​Make sure to tune in at 8:30 AM for the pre-show and 10:15 AM on Harbor Media's Public Channel, Verizon 2131/Comcast 97 on the 4th of July. You can also watch by clicking here! The pre-show will feature local community partners and be hosted by Harbor Media's Executive Director, Michelle Balconi, and Producer, Joe Collymore.

The culmination of this fun-filled celebration is the traditional Fourth of July Parade -- which will step out from Hingham High School at 10 a.m. -- featuring Uncle Sam, marching bands, colorful floats, antique cars, and much more.

This year's theme is "Heroes Among Us" in honor of the many frontline workers who helped carry out essential services during the pandemic.

Longtime Hingham resident and Fourth of July Parade Committee member George Ford -- who has led the event as "Uncle Sam" for more than a decade -- promises this year's parade will be "one of the most robust and spirited parades Hingham has ever had!"

The fireworks were cancelled this year because Massachusetts COVID-19 restrictions and the state of emergency were not lifted early enough to allow the necessary preparation time -- there's always next year!!

For more information about the 2021 Fourth of July celebration, including the parade history, sponsorships, route, parking restrictions, and detours or to make a donation, visit hinghamjuly4th.org.
 
Happy Fourth of July!!