‘Jaws’ Is The Theme For Fourth of July In Orleans: Annual Parade Steps Off Friday

ORLEANS – Cue that iconic John Williams score.

 In recognition of the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” and the Cape’s ties to the legendary film, the theme for this year’s Fourth of July parade is…wait for it…“We’re Going To Need a Bigger Float.”

 This year’s parade once again steps off from the parking lot of Nauset Regional Middle School at 10 a.m. on Friday. Antique cars participating in the parade will stage at Nickerson Funeral Home.

The parade will follow Eldredge Park Way and turn right onto Route 6A before turning right down Main Street. The parade will continue down Route 28 before finishing back at the middle school.

 The Jaws theme was one of four submitted to students at Orleans Elementary School for consideration. According to Jenn Allard, who chairs the Fourth of July committee that organizes the parade, it was an easy decision for students.

 “There was no comparison,” she said.

 This year, there are more than 80 participants in the parade from floats to model cars and bands, making it one of the largest Orleans parades in recent memory. 

 “From what I hear there’s quite a bit of excitement about the theme,” Allard said. “I think people will lean into it. I’ve heard a few things that sound fun.”

 In particular, Allard said there’s more music in this year’s parade. Among the bands that will perform Friday are The Cyclones, who will be playing in memory of their late leader Bruce MacLean, who died in April.

 This year’s parade grand marshall will be Brendan Guttmann, the town’s former longtime recreation director. Awards will be given out for first, second and third place overall, as well as the Bob Ward Memorial Award for the most patriotic float.

 Allard has been a member of the Fourth of July committee since 2019, when a new committee was formed after the panel’s previous members retired. This will be the last parade for Allard, who is terming off as committee chair.

 “I think we’ve really tried to grow it and let everyone know that Orleans is a fun place to go and celebrate the Fourth,” she said looking back on her tenure on the committee. “And I think our committee has achieved that over the last several years.”

 Allard is one of three committee members who will be terming off, and the town is looking for people interested in filling those seats. The committee meets year-round with monthly breaks in August and December.

 But with one more parade left to go in her tenure, Allard said her focus is on this year’s festivities.

“We want to see everyone’s patriotism out big and loud and proud,” she said.

Parking is available around town, including in Orleans Marketplace, at Snow Library and the public lot on Cove Road, but parade-goers are asked to steer clear of parking at the middle school, Allard said.