It’s time to get creative. The patriotic merchandise at the dollar store may be perfect. The parade entry form sits close by. This year’s theme: patriotic sea animals wearing stars and stripes. The Higgins Beach Association parade committee has gotten sophisticated in recent years. They’ve had to; the parade gets bigger each year.

The Higgins Beach parade tradition is believed to have started in the 1940s by Mr. Hammond who lived in the O’Brien cottage on Morning Street. Mr. Hammond grabbed his big bass drum and took to the streets marching up and down. Making as much noise as possible, he was soon joined by others. The Houles of Morning Street trumpeted a bugle, as cymbals and tambourines were added to the mix. It was, however, hardly a musical symphony. Everyone wanted a piece of the noise making action. And so, the banging of pots, pans and the blowing of kazoos got in on the action. Snaking through all the streets, the parade weaved through the summer cottages as well: in the front doors and out the back! Picking up marchers along the way, the tradition continues on. One thing seems sure: If you live at Higgins Beach, you participate in the parade!

And so it is, each year, the sound of the sirens kick off the parade with an array of fire engines leading the way. No longer parading in and out of cottages the parade is reserved to the streets, but widespread participation is still very much in keeping. Totally home spun in nature, the rumblings of back yard preparations can be heard around the community during the day as families and groups prepare their entries which range from floats to costumed individual participants, a full dose of Higgins Beach creativity is unveiled at 4 p.m. when the parade takes to the streets.

Following the parade, a cookout is held on the lawn of the Higgins Beach Clubhouse, and awards are given for the most creative. It’s a fun tradition as an entire community comes together.

Things don’t change, they evolve. The cottage where this parade tradition originated is living proof. In the spirit of bringing community together, this cottage is home of the Higgins Beach “Talking Car.” Today, Barbara O’Brien takes to the street in her car driving up and down the streets with a public address system announcing the activities taking place on the beach. And daughter, Jeanine O’Brien publishes the High Tide Newsletter. One thing is for sure – there’s a lot going on these days and the O’Briens make sure that everyone is in the know.

So what is on the activity menu?: Wednesday morning breakfasts held each week of summer, Thursday morning seaweed beach raking, clubhouse dinners and lawn concerts, it’s no wonder generations of families return year after year to Higgins Beach. This year’s concert series includes July 10: the Don Campbell Trio, July 10; Wavelength, July 24, and Port City Jazz, July 31. Concerts begin a 6:45 p.m.

As Scarborough 350th Anniversary committee plans for the big 2008 celebration, it was no wonder that event planner, Judi Clancy wanted to speak to the Higgins Beach Association. They know how to bring community together – they’ve been doing it for years! Speaking to the group on June 28 she asked for their assistance in planning a Higgins Beach float parade entry. “We’re hoping that all of Scarborough’s various communities will design floats that represent their neighborhood communities,” she said.

The 350th committee is currently seeking parade applicants, and is also searching for a wide variety of musical talent. The intent is to have a lively musical parade. Whole community participation will make this celebration great. Not many towns have 350 years of history. So start thinking celebration: 2008!

As the Fourth of July parade celebrations take place, residents of Scarborough are being asked to get creative. Think July 11-14 2008. Mark your calendars, and hold this date. Scarborough is where the fun will be.

And don’t forget to reserve your Scarborough at 350 – Linking Scarborough’s past and present coffee table book. This beautiful 400 book is not only a beautiful piece of work, written by many Scarborough residents it is a major fundraiser for this celebration. Regular edition copies ($40) can be reserved at Shirley’s Hallmark – Hannaford Plaza, Golden Pheasant – Scarborough Commons, Nestling Duck – Pine Point, and The Breakers Inn – Higgins Beach. Limited Edition ($100) signed and number copies can be reserved at All Points Realtors, 674 US Route One, Scarborough. For parade entry forms, or limited edition order forms please e-mail: [email protected].

Have a wonderfully noisy Fourth of July!