Westport’s Fourth of July Parade will step off promptly at 10 Monday morning, July 5 — the day’s delay was decided so as not to interfere with Sunday church services on July 4.

And this one marks the final parade overseen by David Palmer as president of the Parade Committee.

“I originally said that I was going to sign on to do three parades,” he said, but this marks year number 11 — “Technically it’s the tenth parade since we didn’t have one last year.”

Running a parade is lots of work, he said he quickly discovered.

“It’s an eight-hour day on the Fourth but it really involves weeks beforehand. There’s a lot to it” — planning for floats and cars, lining things up, police and fire, insurance, getting the word out … “It’s a bunch of work for ‘only an only an hour and a half parade.’”

He said he was inspired to give it a try by the example of his father who exemplified the notion of service to community. He was the shellfish warden, a police officer, the fence viewer, conservation officer …

“The whole idea is, let’s get together make everybody smile and stay safe.”

In the future — “I just want t enjoy it.”

Serving as grand marshals this year will be two worthy residents, he said. Riding up front will be Sharon Potter, a 40-plus year member of the town canvassers office, and long-time Town Clerk Marlene Samson.

Both are highly deserving of July 4 salute, Mr. Palmer said.

The route will be the same as usual. It starts at 10 am at the corner of Hix Bridge Road and Main Road and proceeds north to the high school, wrapping up at around noon. Parade participants may begin to arrive for lineup after 8 am.

“It will be the biggest community event this year,” Mr. Palmer said, given that the Westport Fair will not be held this summer. “I think this will be a good thing to get the community together.”

Although you never really know who and how many participants will show up until parade morning, he has heard considerable interest this year. A Jeep club plans to attend with 30 or more Jeeps of all ages, a T-ball group is working on a float, and lots of old cars are expected.

This year, with organizing time short, he said the decision was made to skip the trophies for best old car etc, which he admits may bother a few people.

“Let’’s just get together this year, have fun and just enjoy all of the participants, just have a good time.”

As for the tossing of candy, especially in the time of COVID, “We are not supposed to throw candy because it’s a hazard,” no just because of germs but because of the risk that a child might be tempted to dash into the roadway amidst vehicles. 

But if somehow candy can “get from A to B” without being thrown or touched …

“My main concern, every year, is let’s keep everybody safe to there. Please, parents, let’s keep kids out of the road, don’t jump off the trucks and floats, and look out for one another.”

“And have fun … We’ve all earned this one.”