4th of July in Peabody (Fireworks Not Included)

Peabody may not have any dazzling fireworks shows on the Fourth of July, but that doesn’t stop the city from .

The time-honored neighborhood festivities in each of the city’s six wards will feature a morning full of patriotic-themed bicycle and carriage parades, , races, raffles and free cookouts, along with a few special events.

This year in Ward 6, special recognition is also going out to four firefighters who saved the life of a . Firefighters who responded to the scene said it was one of the worst accidents they had ever witnessed.

Ward 6 Councilor Barry Sinewitz said he and Mayor Ted Bettencourt will present a citation to Capt. Dale Kimball and firefighters Steve Pellegrini, Paul LaPlante and Paul Rheaume in recognition of their heroic actions to pull trapped from his car, which was up in flames.

Habeeb was on his way home around 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 11 when he lost control of his car, which left the road and rolled over before coming to rest at a single-family home on Herrick Road.

The car burst into flames – the exterior of the home also caught fire – and Habeeb was pulled from the flaming wreck by the four firefighters.

Sinewitz says he tries to include similar awards each year to recognize people in the community who are doing good civic deeds.

The presentation of the award will occur at approximately 9:15 a.m.

And over in Ward 5, it’s a special operation again to support Peabody men and women currently serving overseas in the military.

"Our theme this year will be Supporting Our Soldiers. We have in our city many men and women currently out on missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. We would like to show our support to our soldiers by becoming their friends," says Ward 5 Councilor David Gamache.

There are a few ways to show your pride for the 182nd Infantry: you can either write a note to a soldier, help collect items to ship to Afghanistan or post a supportive message. The Friends of the 182nd have a Facebook page and a blog, which you can follow for updates – post a note on either and members of the 182nd and their families will see it.

If you have any questions email Gamache at drgward5@comcast.net.

This year all neighborhood celebrations will occur on Wednesday, July 4 from 9 a.m. - noon. Volunteers are still needed the day of to help run various activities and can contact their ward councilor for more information.

Here are the details on each celebration:

•  – Horrible's parade forms at the top of Blair Terrace at 8:45 a.m. followed by music, bouncy castle, games, face-painting, races, egg toss and pie-eating contest. Lunch will be served. Come and enjoy! Contact Barry Osborne, 978-532-4587. 
•  – Rain or shine. Bicycle/doll carriage Patriot Parade starts at the end of Blaney Avenue at 9 a.m. Other events will be held between 9:30-11 a.m. The Welch School is closed for repairs. Light refreshments and snacks will be served. Volunteers needed. Call Arthur Athas for information, 978-531-5010.
•  – Horribles parade, races and egg toss are a few of the activities planned. Hot dogs cotton candy, popcorn and drinks will be served. Contact Rico Mello, 978-538-9716.
•  – The Ward 4 Committee is currently in the planning stages of organizing the annual July 4th activities at Emerson Park, beginning at 9 a.m. with the “Horribles Parade” of costumes, carriages, bicycles and wagons. These will be judged in the categories of most patriotic and most original. All contestants should meet by the flagpole at Emerson Park at 9 a.m.  Next will be the Independence Road Race for ages six and under, and another race for 7- to 8-year-olds. This will be followed by the “Heartbreak” Road Race (1.2-mile uphill scamper). Each age group will be awarded with prizes and trophies for the overall winners. A field day will then commence with various age races, egg toss and pie-eating contests. There will also be a sawdust pile, face-painting and arts and crafts table. The grand chefs will be preparing an old-fashioned cook-out of hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, drinks and “make your own” ice cream sundaes. Anyone interested in helping with the festivities, report to Emerson Park at 8:30 a.m. on July 4, or call Bob Driscoll at 978-531-6779. Volunteers are needed and are greatly appreciated.
•  – The parade will start at 9 a.m. at the Rosewood Nursing Home on Johnson Street. Bikes, carriages and carts should be decorated and judged for prettiest, patriotic and best camouflage. The games will be held after the parade at Ross Park. There will be money in the hay, prizes, face painting and a light lunch served. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can call Dave Gamache at 978-535-8139.
•  – The Ward Six Civic Association will host Fourth of July celebration activities at Symphony Park (off Catherine Drive) in West Peabody. All are welcome. The activities planned will be the traditional doll carriage, bicycle and tricycle parade. Decorate your entry with a patriotic theme. Registration for the parade will be at 8:30 a.m. Parade to start promptly at 9 a.m. Following the parade there will be races, face-painting, nickels in the hay, moon bounce and a basketball free throw contest. At 11 a.m. the grills will be fired up for a free cookout featuring hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and ice cream. Anyone interested in helping with any of the events or anyone wishing to donate a gift certificate or prize for a scholarship raffle should contact Barry Sinewitz at 978-535-2283.