Beverly Farms' Horribles Parade continues satirical tradition

Parody, with its varying degrees of taste and comedic value, is the grandest form of mockery. The best parodies often provide insightful commentary on events and issues impacting today?s world in the most humorous way possible. Every Independence Day, Beverly Farms is host to its own form of mockery ? the Horribles Parade ? and with a lampooning of topics ranging from mermaids to cruise ship disasters, this year was no exception.

On Thursday, July 4, Beverly Farms once again held its annual Horribles Parade to satirize this year?s most talked about local and national events. Amongst the topics skewered at this year?s parade were ?American Idol? finalist and Beverly resident Angie Miller, the alleged unsanitary conditions of Beverly?s Dix Park, Animal Planet?s faux documentary about mermaids, and the recent reshuffling of the New England Patriots lineup.

The parade took its usual course, forming on Oak Street before making its way through the various streets. Beginning early in the morning, the Horribles Parade also serves as a kick-starter to Beverly Farms? July 4 celebration featuring baseball games and fireworks.

The man behind the parade is Rick Lord, who has served as president for the Horribles Parade for the past two years. When it comes to holding the parade at Beverly Farms, Lord says, ?Well, where else can you have something like this?? Though the sense of humor found in the Horribles Parade tends to sway more toward an adult audience, Lord ensures that anyone can apply and parody whatever they wish.

The parade has been part of Beverly?s history since the years following World War II, though Lord confirms it has been around even longer. ?We?ve traced it back to the late 1880s,? he says. Lord claims the number of participants fluctuates each year, although one thing remains the same ? the winner of best float receives a grand prize worth $500.

Parody at the Horribles Parade is commonly off-color, an approach open to controversy. One of the most notable controversies in the parade?s history came in 2008 when a prize-winning float spoofed the Gloucester High School ?pregnancy pact? scandal in a manner that offended spectators and judges alike. The parade does not always deal with parody, however. Several floats are made to show support for local politicians. This year, a Depression-era themed float was made to celebrate the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of Prohibition in the United States.

Music is a big feature at the parade as well. Marching bands from the North Shore area and elsewhere participate yearly. This year?s parade offered other forms of live music due in part to an ?American Idol?-inspired float which saw an Angie Miller impersonator sing well-known pop hits.

Also unique to this year?s event was an appearance by New Jersey?s Bayonne Bridgemen, a marching band with several statewide and nationwide championships in their possession. The band?s appearance at the Horribles Parade is one of many destinations on their tour of the northeastern area of the country. ?We?re also playing at the Manning Bowl in Lynn,? remarks the Bridgemen?s Al Holtje.

This year?s Horribles Parade kicked off at 8 a.m. and was soon followed by several events throughout the day including adult softball games, scavenger hunts, cookouts and a house decorating context. The July 4 celebration culminated at nightfall with a fireworks show on West Beach.

Source: http://www.wickedlocal.com/beverly/fun/x1806122763/Beverly-Farms-Horribles-Parade-continues-satirical-tradition?rssfeed=true

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