DANVERS — While July 3 means lots of fireworks in town, Independence Day means lots of worn shoe leather with two annual parades on tap.
The first to kick off will be the Highlands Horribles Parade, which will high step it down Centre Street at 9 a.m. The other wends its way through the Back Bay neighborhood at 11 a.m.
Highlands Horribles Parade: Registration, 8 a.m., Seaboard Products, 17 Collins St.
The parade starts at 9 at the intersection of Beechwood Place and Collins Street. Adults and kids dress up in costumes, and decorate their bikes and wagons. Participants make floats or simply march in festive Fourth of July attire. The route travels north on Centre Street to the Training Ground/Highland Common. Police lead the parade up Centre Street and divert traffic temporarily along the way, police Capt. Pat Ambrose said.
Prizes will be given for Most Horrible, Most Like Danvers and Most Patriotic, among the categories. Refreshments will be served.
Back Bay Parade: Registration, 10:30 a.m., corner of Damon and Porter streets.
The parade steps off at 11 a.m. through Back Bay. You can walk in a costume, dress up in your Sunday best or decorate a doll carriage, bicycle or wagon. Take your antique car out for a ride or build a float. Sports groups and Boy and Girl Scouts are welcome. Route follows Damon to Park Street, Alden, Hunt, Berry and Porter streets.
Ribbons for costumes given out in five categories, including Most Patriotic, Cutest and Most Horrible, said Mary Jo O'Connell, a sponsor of the parade.
"Everybody's welcome, and even if they don't want to dress up, they can walk. It's just for fun," said O'Connell, who said she remembers marching in the parade when she was a kid.
Staff Writer Ethan Forman can be reached at 978-338-2673, or by e-mail at eforman@salemnews.com.
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