Natick's 2021 July 4 Parade Canceled For Second Year

NATICK, MA — The coronavirus pandemic will deprive Natick of traditional July 4 festivities for the second year in a row — but there are alternate plans in the works.

Peg Waters, president of Natick Friends of the 4th group, notified town leaders on Sunday the traditional parade will not happen in 2021. The group is concerned about holding a large gathering while the vaccine picture is still unclear, among other reasons.

"There are many factors that lead to our decision including the uncertain timeline for the vaccinations, return to larger gatherings, the safety of our parade participants and attendees and the financial obligations involved in putting on a traditional parade," Waters' letter said.

The group cited similar reasons last May when it canceled the 2020 event, which would've been the town's 65th July 4 parade.

But Waters said the July 4 group still wants the town to have a way to celebrate. As an alternative to a single large gathering, Waters is proposing Natick residents decorate their homes and porches to create stationary parade floats around town. Waters also said there will be a contest (with prizes) where residents can vote on the best decorated homes.

"We will see you for the 2022 traditional 4th of July parade!" Waters concluded her letter.