A family dressed as bakers of a 250th anniversary cake || Sasha Fafel Riding down the parade route || Sasha Fafel Crossing Forest onto Lexington || Sasha Fafel Dressed in costumes || Sasha Fafel Organizers Katie McNamee (left) and Danielle Lima (right) || Sasha Fafel A firetruck led children down the parade route || Sasha Fafel Children on bikes || Sasha Fafel A resident performs at 158 Aspen Road || Sasha Fafel The organizers announce the parade winners || Sasha Fafel Participants start at the corner of Aspen and Arbutus || Sasha Fafel Crowds form along the streets || Sasha Fafel Parading down Swampscott || Sasha Fafel Taking part in the over 80 year tradition || Sasha Fafel
This is a contribution from a Swampscott High School student, as part of the Swampscott Tides Big Blue Student News selection.
Story by Sasha Fafel
Families gathered for the Shaw Estate’s 83rd Fourth of July “Horribles Parade” Saturday morning on the corner of Aspen and Arbutus Roads.
Participants were judged in categories such as “Best Pet,” “Bikes and Trikes,” “Floats,” and “Horribles,” before the start of the parade.
At 9:30 a.m., two firetrucks led the crowd of participants down Aspen Road, across Forest Avenue, and around Lexington Circle. The parade ended with popsicles and other treats for the children.
The “Horribles Parade” was organized by Swampscott residents Danielle Lima, of Aspen Road, and Katie McNamee, of Greenwood Avenue.
It was Lima’s fifth year organizing the event, and she originally became involved after the past organizers’ children aged out of the event, she told the Swampscott Tides. McNamee has been involved for about three years now.
Lima said she was very proud of the turnout this year, despite the heat.
“It is great, our hottest one yet,” Lima said. “People go all out and a lot of our friends have great memories.”
McNamee, who grew up in the neighborhood walking in the parade, said organizing as a past participant is very important to her.
“We wanted to keep it going,” McNamee said. “I love it. I love that people keep going out and seeing new families each summer. It is a small town community event. I love all of the creativity.”
The “Horribles Parades” traditionally are Fourth of July events, where participants dress up in satirical and humorous costumes. The concept originated in the 19th century.
Swampscott’s parade on Saturday saw costumes including custom “Guess Who” characters, to members of the Mario and Luigi universe, Barbie, a cake commemorating the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, and even an imitation of Essential Foods Direct’s meat tent pop-up in Swampscott back in June.
