For more than a century, Harvard has marked the Fourth of July with celebrations. And the Fourth of July Committee is well into planning this year’s events, from the parade to the pie-eating contest. At their June 3 meeting, committee members emphasized they need many more volunteers, especially to help with the field events after the parade—the three-legged races, greased-pole climbs, and much more. Those who are willing to help can use the sign-up forms through www.harvard4thofjuly.org/volunteer.
On the Fourth, events will begin with the antique cars gathering on the library field at 9 a.m. The number of antique cars in the parade will be limited this year, and car owners who want to be in the parade must sign up in advance at www.harvard4thofjuly.org/parade. Committee Chair Chris Chalifoux explained that the 36 cars in last year’s parade slowed its pace and created a lot of fumes for marchers who followed them. So this year only the first 20 cars to sign up will take part in the parade, but all others are welcome at the library field for spectators to admire.
The Fourth of July Committee encourages veterans to join the parade, and they can sign up by contacting Lorin Johnson. Some veterans who have concerns about walking the route will be able to ride in a four-wheeler provided by Toreku Tractor, owned by the Shaw family of Harvard. The vehicle will hold a driver and three passengers.
