‘Fast Eddy’ to lead Westport Fourth parade

Organizers expect another big year if weather cooperates

Posted 6/30/16

Predicting Westport July 4 parade participation is hardly a precise science, says parade committee chairman David Palmer.

A year ago, the signup list going in included around 20 floats and …

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‘Fast Eddy’ to lead Westport Fourth parade

Organizers expect another big year if weather cooperates

Posted

Predicting Westport July 4 parade participation is hardly a precise science, says parade committee chairman David Palmer.

A year ago, the signup list going in included around 20 floats and vehicles — not bad. On July 4 morning, colorful floats, tractors and old cars and trucks arrived from every direction creating a minor traffic jam at the corner of Main and Hixbridge roads.

Much as they’d appreciate advance notice, (organizers expect more of that sort of enthusiasm when the parade starts at 10 a.m. sharp on Monday, the Fourth.

“We are preparing for a large parade this year,” Mr. Palmer said. “The 2015 parade was the largest most have seen in years.” As usual, vehicle turnout will be tied to the weather forecast.

Even with the unexpected “It is always just a fun day — seeing all those smiling faces makes it all worthwhile,” the chairman said.

To sign up visit the parade’s new website, created with help from Rachael Letendre. Visit westportmajuly4parade.com

Leading the way will be Eddie ‘Fast Eddie’ Beaulieu, longtime owner of Beaulieu’s Garage in Westport.

Mr. Beaulieu celebrated his 100th birthday not long ago and is a great candidate for parade chief marshal, Mr. Palmer thinks.

Mr. Beaulieu loves Westport, loves cars, especially the old sort that fill this parade, “and is just an outstanding gentleman.”

And that nickname ‘Fast Eddie’ is as appropriate as ever.

“I went to a car show recently and there was Eddie, walking from car to car faster than me, faster than most everyone there,” Mr. Palmer said. “He was shaking hands, checking out the cars, eating ice cream … he still has his driver’s license.”

He won’t be behind the wheel of the parade’s lead vehicle, however — chief marshals get to ride and wave to the crowd.

“I’d love it if we could find a 1916 car for him to ride in,” Mr. Palmer added. Mr. Beaulieu won’t be riding in his vintage air-cooled Franklin — air-cooled cars don’t fare well in parade heat and low speeds.

The route this year remains the same — a long, straight shot up Main Road from Hixbridge Road to the high school. Groups are encouraged to have a vehicle handy so that marchers can climb aboard for that final mile approach to the high school.

“It’s mostly woods there, few houses or spectators” and it can be hard for walkers to keep up the pace we need to keep, especially on a hot day,” the chairman said.

Donations needed

Mr. Palmer put in a pitch for donations. He said he is encouraged that some gifts have already arrived to help the committee handle the $3,500 to $4,000 it costs to make ends meet each year.

A few weeks ago, Mr. Palmer asked the Board of Selectmen to consider having the town help out, since “this is a town celebration, not a private one,” and some of the biggest costs are town-related — among them paying police officers to close off Main Road and intersections along the route.

“I understand that it is necessary — we just could use help. Most of us already contribute out of our own pockets.”

He said he was encouraged by words from Selectman Craig Dutra who said the board should indeed consider making a contribution.

There are also costs for insurance and they even need to fork over $456 to the state — the tax exempt status they are seeking should put an end to that.

Anyone who would like to help can send a check payable to the Westport Fourth of July Parade Committee, at WFJPC Inc., 77 Shirley St., Westport, MA 02790.

Names of donors are posted on the committee’s new website.

No squirt guns, Silly String …

The usually prohibitions are in place — no silly string, water guns, throwing anything at vehicles or marchers, poppers …

“We’ve been fortunate the past couple of years but that hasn’t always been the case.”

A few years ago, someone let loose with a high-powered squirt gun and hit a girl in the eye, causing an injury.

Another year, someone got the idea of freezing water balloons and hurling them.

“They dented a couple of the cars,” Mr. Palmer said.

To register to enter the parade, send an email to davefixit7@hotmail.com

The committee also asks all with vehicles and floats to line up along the east side of Main Road — not both sides. “When one parks on the west side, others follow and then we have a mess” — ambulances and fire engines need that road kept open.

Also not good is “when people who aren’t used to backing up a trailer try it right in the middle of everything … we had one truck and trailer jackknifed right out in the middle last year.”

Parade committee members are:

David Palmer - chairman

Ann McDermott Boxler - treasurer

Pam Pimentel - secretary

Kathy Santos

Melissa Boudria

Daphne Brown

Judy Palmer

Ted Boudria

Peter Brown

Eric Letendre

Rachael Letendre

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