Beverly Farms-Prides Crossing, Beverly, Massachusetts

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, over time, has developed into a highly anticipated annual homecoming event for current and former Farms-Prides residents.

The featured events are the always unique morning Horribles Parade and a spectacular evening shoreline illumination and aerial fireworks display held at West Beach. Once again we will dedicate the 4th of July West Beach Shoreline Illumination to our friends who cannot be with us to enjoy our hometown celebration. Click here for more info and here for the Dedication Form to mail in. Rounding out the holiday events, the Committee also sponsors the House Decorating Contest, the Family & Friends Cookout, the youngsters Scavenger Hunt, the post Parade "Old Timers" adult softball game at Dix Park, races and games at West Beach on the afternoon of the 4th, and musical entertainment at the Beach leading up 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! Enter a float in the parade and win up to $500! Political candidates are also welcome to join in and reach an audience of several thousand viewers

All money raised by the Committee to provide the celebration comes from the local community. There is no government or grant funding received to support this great tradition. The annual budget for 2012 is $96,000! 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, wristbands are sold at various business locations and by volunteers who solicit donations door to door.

The Committee is actively recruiting new members and welcomes all who would like to participate. The annual meeting is held on the last Thursday in October 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 email to info@beverlyfarms.org.

Please direct any media inquiries regarding the Farms-Prides 4th of July activities to farmsprides4thmedia@gmail.com