It was a Monday afternoon, an hour before the Gloucester Fishtown Horribles Parade was set to kick off. The weather was muggy, and it seemed like rain could fall at any moment. But, like a miracle, the clouds parted and the parking lot of Gloucester High filled with joy and anticipation.

At 6 p.m., the parade began, celebrating Independence Day and Gloucester’s 400th anniversary. I was there, taking it all in, and I can tell you it was a spectacle to be remembered. After two years of cancellation due to COVID-19, the parade came back bigger and better than ever.

The parade featured marching bands, some coming from Canada, and rock bands playing on decorated flatbeds. There were plenty of costumed marchers, and those on floats were tossing candy to the crowd. With a $1,000 prize for the float that best represented Gloucester’s heritage, and $100 for the Best Horrible, the judges had a tough task picking a winner.

And the photos we took of this event? Incredible! We captured the essence of the celebration, the joy of the people, and the beauty of the floats. Each image is a story in itself, a frozen moment in time that reminds us of the power of community and celebration.

So, if you weren’t there, I’m sorry, you really missed out on a great show. But don’t worry, we have the photos to prove just how amazing it was. And, who knows, maybe next year you can join us. After all, the tradition must continue, and we’ll be there to celebrate, come rain or shine.