PETERSHAM – This Friday, town will host a community parade to mark the Fourth of July—and anyone can take part.

Organizer Susan Dougherty said people are encouraged to gather on Petersham Common at 9:30 a.m. in preparation for a 10 a.m. start time. This is a community event, and anyone who would like to march in the parade is welcome, said Dougherty. Anyone wishing to bring an animal to accompany them on the march is asked to notify Dougherty by texting her at 832-499-1670.

The theme of this year’s parade is “We the People.” The parade will follow what is know locally as the Old Maid’s Mile, a historic stretch of road near the Town Common.

“This year, we’ve chosen Denis Legare (as grand marshal),” Dougherty said. “He’s pretty excited. He’s going to be in the white Cadillac.”

Legare served Petersham’s Police Department for 40 years, the last 25 as chief. He also served as president of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association in 2006 and remains a life member. He is the father of current Fire Chief Bob Legare.

Asked about any fire trucks that may be taking part, Dougherty said, “Certainly Petersham, but we never really know who else is going to show up. Last year, there were quite a few. Petersham apparently has one of the only parades that happens in this area, so fire departments from around show up….So, I expect Barre and Athol and possibly Orange, but as for others, I don’t know.

“We definitely have horses this year,” Dougherty added. “We’ll have horses up front. And then I usually have the walkers and bicyclists behind them, then the cars and then the motorcycles and then the fire trucks.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.