Gov. Charlie Baker announced this week that the state will rescind its COVID-19 restrictions on May 29, and with that, the Fourth of July Committee has decided to hold the town’s traditional parade and field events once again, on Sunday, July 4. There will be no fireworks, however, because the Trustees of Reservations who manage Fruitlands are not comfortable hosting such a large gathering.
Both the parade and field events need volunteers, Anne Hentz, the chair of the Fourth of July Committee, told the press on Friday. She said that to match the quality of prior years volunteers are a necessity. If you are interested, call Anne Hentz at (617) 834-1615 or email her at anne@annehentz.com.
For this year’s field events, the committee plans to offer the usual fare, but the pie-eating contest will not be a part of the festivities. Josh Iverson is this year’s field coordinator, along with Hentz. As for the parade, there will be an antique car show, but Hentz said that it would be scaled down, with no registration and no awards. The idea is for the car owners to “reconnect and take part in the parade.” Another part of the parade that will return is the children’s bike-decorating contest.
The Girl Scouts will create banners for the parade and there will be a flag-raising ceremony with the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner performed by graduating senior Rachel Molnar. Hentz said the 2021 theme is “United We Stand.” After over a year of difficult circumstances and constant shutdowns, Hentz says she is excited to bring the Fourth of July festivities back to town. For updates on the event, check their Instagram: @harvard_4th_of_july or Facebook: @harvard4thofjuly.e
Watch this space for further news.
