Swampscott Shaw Estate Fourth of July parade celebrates 69 years

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It has happened every Fourth of July for the past 68 years in Swampscott. Residents jump out of their beds, awakened by a siren. They hurry downstairs, weary-eyed from the fireworks the night before and trudge outside to get a better view.

Police and fire vehicles lead the way. Then come the firecrackers, the Uncle Sam?s, the rowdy bikers and the costumed dogs. What is the explanation for this motley crew of patriotic revelers? Why, it?s the Shaw Estate parade, of course!

Volunteers have organized the parade, which began during World War II, since its inception. It has become a neighborhood tradition for residents in the Shaw Estate area ? a section of town that includes Aspen Road, Lexington Circle, Magnolia Road and surrounding streets.

?I have lived in this neighborhood for 31 years,? said Linda Morrison of Forest Avenue. ?It is something that my children were involved in, and now my grandchildren take part in it as well.?

Heidi Santo of Danvers returns to her parents? Aspen Road home every year to take part in the parade. She said that, as a child, ?It was all very exciting. We got to dress up in our costumes. The anticipation was best. I bring my kids back so they can experience that excitement. We don?t have it in my neighborhood, and it meant so much to me. I wish every neighborhood had it.?

Sara Kuzmin of Lynn also returns to town every year to watch the parade. She said that she comes because she loves ?the sense of community.?

?It is not the Fourth of July without the Shaw Estate Parade,? Kuzmin said.

Perhaps it is that sense of community that has allowed the parade to last as long as it has. Records indicate that throughout the years, committees of parents and children have worked collaboratively to ensure the ongoing success of the neighborhood tradition.

Eva Berry, who has lived on Aspen Road since 1973, said she couldn?t remember a year when the parade did not happen. She recalled a former Aspen Road resident, Nate Green, as someone who was particularly involved with the cause many years ago.

?He always managed to find something special, some kind of treasure, that he could give to the kids,? said Berry. ?One year he gave every child spools of thread. It was just the little something that made the day extra special.?

Berry has had her turn at organizing the parade.

?My neighbors and I were all involved when our kids were young,? Berry said. ?You do it because the kids just love driving their crazy things in the middle of the street. It makes the day special.?

She enjoys watching her grandchildren participate now, and afterwards she cooks a giant breakfast for family and friends, all of whom return every year to watch the parade, she said.

Parade chairwoman Sheila Yang said that while the parade has remained popular for many years, citizen interest in helping organize the event seems to be waning.

?People are just really busy, so they are reluctant to take on more responsibility,? Yang said. ?We need to get more parents involved to keep this tradition going.?

This year marks the 69^th anniversary of the parade and the event?s enthusiasts hope the tradition will continue for many years to come.

?It is old fashioned, wholesome fun,? Santo said. ?Kids are growing up way too fast these days, and this is a way to keep that youthful spirit alive without the video games. It is something the whole family can do together, and the kids have the time of their lives doing it.?

This year?s parade will take place on Wednesday, July 4. Judging begins promptly at 9:15 a.m. on the corner of Aspen and Arbutus Roads. Prizes will be awarded in the categories of: horribles, floats, doll carriages, bikes and trikes, roller blades/skateboard/scooters and pets. There is no entry fee, but donations are accepted.

The parade is looking for additional committee members and a new chairperson. Anyone interested in helping should contact Sheila Yang at (781) 595-5395 or email sheilayang@verizon.net.

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IF YOU GO:

WHAT Shaw Estate area Fourth of July parade

WHERE On the corner of Aspen and Arbutus Roads

WHEN Wednesday, July 4 at 9:15 a.m.

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