Ancient and Horribles Parade facts for kids
The Ancient and Horribles Parade is a famous Fourth of July parade. It takes place every year in the village of Chepachet, Rhode Island. This village is part of the town of Glocester. The parade started way back in 1926.
This special parade happens on U.S. Route 44, also known as Putnam Pike. It's known across the country for its unique style. "Parades of horribles" were a fun tradition in New England. These kinds of parades have been around since before the 1870s in many small towns.
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History of Horribles Parades
What is a "Horribles Parade?"
The very first "Ancient and Horribles Parade" known in New England happened on July 4, 1851. This was in Lowell, Massachusetts. It was created to make fun of a serious group called the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. This company is the oldest military group in the United States.
Early New England Traditions
In the mid-1800s, people in several New England towns started these "Ancient and Horrible" or "Antique and Horribles" parades. They would dress up in funny costumes. The goal was to playfully make fun of politicians and other public figures. This tradition mostly faded away by 1900 in places like Vermont.
Today, Gloucester, Massachusetts, still has a "Horribles Parade." But the costumes there don't usually make fun of politics anymore.
Glocester's Unique Parade History
The "Ancient and Horribles Parade" in Glocester, Rhode Island, began in 1926. At that time, Calvin Coolidge was the U.S. President. Interestingly, President Coolidge was a member of the original Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in Boston.
According to Connie Leathers, who helped organize the parade in 2008, Rhode Islanders loved to have fun. So, they decided to "make fun of them" (the serious artillery company).
This parade has many traditional Fourth of July things. You'll see colorful floats and marchers. Veterans and fire trucks are often part of the parade. But it also includes funny and often satirical displays. These displays playfully comment on current political and cultural topics.
