Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 3, 2026 CELEBRATE | FROM PAGE 1 Smiles Entertainment provided carnival-style games and activities, including bouncy houses and appearances by a stilt walker, juggler and characters from the Toy Story films. Toy Story character Buzz Lightyear was played by former Everett High School music teacher John Duff, who now lives on the South Shore. “They have amazing events here,” he said. “It’s such a welcoming community.” Everett resident Peter Rodriguez was manning the Hot Shot Basketball site. “The kids are having fun,” he noted. This year’s Independence Day marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, a fact not lost on Van Campen or DiDomenico. “We’ll recognize the 250th anniversary throughout the year, not just today,” Van Campen said. “Despite issues in the world, our republic is still functioning.” DiDomenico called the 250th anniversary “a milestone for our country. We have to stay true to our values, be good citizens and residents to each other and make sure we help one another. Massachusetts continues to lead the way regardless of what’s happening in Washington.” He also recalled the country’s bicentennial in 1976 when he was five years old. He recalled his parents, Sal Sr. and Marie, being involved in local events in Cambridge. Historical Commission member and former teacher and principal Lawrence Arinello was 23 in 1976. “We’ve had our ups and downs, good times and bad, but will continue as a nation,” he said. “We’ve always been politically divided to some extent. People were always for or against a president.” Based on information from the Encyclopedia Britannica and other sources, what is now Everett was originally part of Charlestown and, in 1776, was a marshy, farming, but relatively undeveloped CELEBRATE | SEE PAGE 19 Whiskey-6 performed during Everett’s annual Independence Day Celebration at Glendale Park. Members of the Everett City Council, with Michael Mangan, from left, councillors Anthony DiPierro, John Hanlon, Stephanie Martin, Guerline Alcy Jabouin, Vivian Nguyen, Michele Capone, Stephanie Smith, Holly Garcia and Peter Petriantonio. Mayor Robert J. Van Campen celebrates with First Lady Lisa Van Campen and their son, John, during Everett’s Independence Day Celebration. Fireworks were on display over Glendale Park. Members of the Everett Police and Fire Departments paused for a photo during the Independence Day Celebration. Wes Vaughn as Woody, Rena Cerulli as a dinosaur and John Duff as Buzz Lightyear with fans. Eliot Family Resource Center. Shown enjoying the festivities were Ryan Plourde, Hudson Plourde, Delia Plourde, Maria Bussell, and Joetta Yutkins. Mayor Robert Van Campen, Executive Office Manager Kristin Leonard and Special Assistant to the Mayor Chris Connolly posed with a patriotic stilt walker during the celebration. Ward 4 Councillor Holly Garcia presented an award to a winner of the Doll Carriage, Bicycle and Wagon Decorating Contest.
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