Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Democratic, Republican town committees collaborate on Independence Day parade

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Select Board on Tuesday approved via consent agenda the route for an Independence Day parade intended to replace the July 4 Horribles Parade.

In brief remarks to the board, Veterans Celebration Committee (VCC) chair Mike Whalen — who submitted the application — reviewed the route and the content of the parade. He explained that the VCC was authorized by the board to sponsor the event and Hopkinton Democratic and Republican town committee chairs Amy Groves and Jim Mirabile are its primary organizers.

“I’m sure it’s going to be done well,” said Whalen, adding that the parade is being designed to be “more positive and celebratory.”

The July 4 Horribles Parade has been a contentious topic in Hopkinton in recent years. It was a tradition in town for more than a century and was organized by Dan McIntyre and his family for decades. Participation stalled in the years leading up to the pandemic, and the HRTC took over the parade in recent years.

Groves and others spoke out against the parade in 2024, characterizing the event as partisan and raising concerns over satirical floats inflaming divisions in town. Organizers maintained the Horribles Parade was “a wonderfully opportunity to express your First Amendment opportunities.”

Concerns over the nature of the parade led the Parks & Recreation Commission last year to delay its sponsorship of the event. A decision by the Select Board to approve the parade permit but not sponsor the event and not allow it to be covered under the town’s insurance forced the parade to move to a virtual format last July.

This new Independence Day parade is a bipartisan effort — a fact Select Board member Matt Kizner called out. “I really am impressed and a little bit humbled by what you have done, to turn something that was causing community division into community alignment and collaboration,” he said.

Speaking to the Independent, Mirabile thanked the VCC for its sponsorship of the event and Groves for her collaboration. “Amy’s been great,” he said. “She’s been great to work with — very organized.”

Added Mirabile: “We’re really looking forward to a lot of people getting involved and being part of the parade.”

Groves, in an email, noted that the HDTC is excited about the event. She also encouraged people to get involved. “Mike, Jim and I encourage everyone in town … to come join the parade and wish the United States a 250th birthday,” she stated. “If not, bring a squirt gun and see if you can nab some candy.”

She noted that more details of the parade are forthcoming now that it has received Select Board approval.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Select Board on Tuesday heard updates from Permanent Building Committee chair Dan McIntyre about the Center School reuse project and possible options for handling the Elmwood School property.

The Select Board voted to approve the town’s zero-emission vehicle first policy by a narrow margin Tuesday, with members expressing concerns over funding and the needs of the town’s emergency services.

Chief financial officer Kyla LaPierre informed the Select Board on Tuesday that ballooning health insurance costs forced the town to find ways to close a $1.3 million budget gap for fiscal year 2027.

Cali Korbey will keep the memories of her grandmother and mother close as she runs the Boston Marathon this year to benefit the Veterans Celebration Committee.

Grant Van Ranst is willing to put himself forward and take some risk as he runs to raise funds for Hopkinton Youth Soccer.

Seeing his kids having a positive experience with the Metrowest YMCA’s Outdoor Center inspired Adam Zandonella to raise funds for the nonprofit this year.

This week’s Police Log features one arrest, along with reports of someone banging on doors in Ryegrass Circle, a traffic backup on Legacy Farms South and a rabbit stuck in a net.

The latest Move In Style Athlete Spotlight highlights Hopkinton High School freshman tennis player Karen Foo, who has picked up four early-season victories for the Hillers.

Jean Scarlata, 97, died April 12. She worked for the Hopkinton Water Department for 33 years.

Town meetings tonight include the Charter Review Committee (7) and Cultural Council (7).

Photo of the Day

The Boston Marathon start line painting crew stand behind their latest masterpiece, which was completed Wednesday afternoon.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO