PEABODY — For the first time, Peabody will have three ward Fourth of July celebrations this weekend instead of the usual six.
That’s because Wards 2, 3 and 4 are combining their annual patriotic gatherings into one event, as are Wards 5 and 6. Ward 1 will be the only ward to keep on with its solo tradition.
“We’re all combining the best features that we’ve all had at our own celebrations over the years,” Ward 4 Councilor Julie Daigle said.
Most of the wards are opting for combined events for two reasons: timing and cost.
Because the Fourth falls on a weekend this year, ward councilors expect more people will head out of town than they would if the holiday was on a weekday, drawing in fewer attendees.
Each ward gets a budget of $2,000 from the city to put on their annual Fourth events. Though this is supplemented with donations from local businesses, it makes sense to combine budgets in order to “do more with less,” Daigle said.
Each celebration will feature the wards’ usual games, bouncy houses, music, food and other fun activities fit for the whole family.
Ward 4 will join Ward 2 and 3 at the Welch Elementary School at 50 Swampscott Ave. from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
As there is limited parking at the Welch School, there will be a free shuttle service to and from the school during the celebration in Ward 3 and 4, with bus services beginning at 8:45 a.m. The Ward 3 bus will pick up and drop off attendees at Connelly Park and the Ward 4 bus will do the same at Emerson Park.
The Ward 5 and 6 celebration will be held at Symphony Park on Symphony Road from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Ward 1 will run its celebration at Raddin Park off Lynnfield Street between 9 a.m. to noon on the holiday. Its annual patriotic bike parade will line up at 9:35 a.m. on the corner of Blair Terrace and Lynnfield Street, and begin at 9:45 a.m.
That ward decided to keep to itself because it typically draws the largest crowd, Ward 1 Councilor Craig Welton said.
As for if the other wards will make combined celebrations a new tradition, “We’ll probably wind up doing it again next year,” Ward 5 Councilor Dave Gamache said.
“After that, we’ll see what’s up.”
Contact Caroline Enos at CEnos@northofboston.com.