The Beverly Farms – Prides Crossing Fourth of July Committee runs the annual Independence Day celebration that traces its roots back to the 1880’s. The 4th of July has developed into an annual homecoming event for Beverly Farms residents and former residents.
The featured events are the always unique morning Horribles Parade and a spectacular evening aerial fireworks display held off West Beach. Additionally, the Committee runs a cookout and show for children, a post Parade adult softball game at Dix Park, races and games at West Beach on the afternoon of the 4th, and musical entertainment at the Beach prior to the fireworks.
The Horribles Parade is a very special event. The majority of the Parade is comprised of floats entered by individuals and neighborhoods from the greater Farms-Prides area. These floats often poke fun at current events, local issues, and national politics. Although there are many musical entries, the local participation is what gives the Parade its special character. Plus, it steps off at the early hour of 8:00AM!
The Committee is totally funded privately. The annual budget is over $65,000! A major fundraising event is the annual auction held on the first Saturday in April each year at the Hastings House, the location of the Farms-Prides Community Association. Additionally, starting in June and continuing right through the holiday, tickets are sold at various business locations and by volunteers who solicit donations door to door.
The Committee welcomes all who would like to participate. The annual meeting is held on the last Thursday in April at the Hastings House. The remaining meetings are held approximately every other Thursday at 7:30. These are always open to the public.
The Committee can be reached by writing to P.O. Box 5259 in Beverly Farms, MA 01915 or contacting Don MacQuarrie (978-927-9026); Raeann Downey (978-927-3891); Alison Weingartner (921-5667) and Tim McInnis (922-0698) or John Solazzo (978-921-5201).
