Hundreds Turn Out For Ipswich Independence Day Parade and Festivities

Despite the hot weather, a crowd estimated by some at over 1,000 people turned out on July 4, 2026, for the Independence Day Community Walk, Bike and Town Hall Field Day. The event marked the town’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The one-mile parade route began at Winthrop School and followed Mineral, High, North Main, Summer, and Water Streets to the Ipswich Town Hall. The parade passed by 45 Ipswich houses built before or during the Revolutionary War, where we were cheered on by their current occupants and other residents. Most of the houses displayed 13-star “Betsy Ross” flags that were distributed to the owners by local historian Gordon Harris. Torii Bottomley was the Grand Marshall of the parade, leading and providing the music.

Header photo by Irene Richard Van Schendyl

Parents and children took advantage of a shade tree at Winthrop School for decorating bikes and trikes before the parade, with assistance from Ashley Dougherty and Sarah. Photo by Irene Richard Van Schendyl.

Cyclists preparing for the parade to start. Photo by Irene Richard Van Schendyl.

The parade route from Wintrhop School to Town Hall. Each blue icon represents a house that was standing during the Revolutionary War. Click on the map to view each of the houses.

Ipswich MA parade on Summer Street — The rear of the walking and cycling parade turned onto Summer Street as the vanguard reached Town Hall on Green Street. Photo by Gordon Harris

Ipswich residents were actively involved on the sidelines. Photo by Irene Richard Van Schendyl

On the Town Hall steps, Ipswich Selectboard chairman Michael Dougherty served as Master of Ceremonies, accompanied by town planner Alan Manoian. First on the agenda was the National Anthem by Julia Njoroge, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Representative Kristin Kassner presented the town with a copy of the Declaration of Independence, which was read by Dan Kelly, accompanied by the “Thirteen Colony Roll Call” by students, reading the names of the signers of the Declaration from every state.

Independence Day Celebration at the Ipswich MA Town Hall — The parade ended at Town Hall with an Independence Day Celebration and Field Day Games. Photo by Gordon Harris

Ipswich Selectperson Michael Dougherty was the master of ceremonies at Town Hall. Photo by Irene Richard Van Schendyl

Dan Kelly reading the Declaration of Independence. Photo by Gordon Harris

Following the speeches, the crowd was treated to music by a local band, and field day activities organized by Ipswich ReCreation and Culture director Kerrie Bates. The organizing committee appreciates the route assistance provided by the Ipswich Fire and Police Departments.