MIDDLEBORO — On Thursday, July 4, the North Middleboro Parade, will begin at 10 a.m. at the Pratt Free School at the intersection of Plymouth and Pleasant streets. A long-standing tradition, the parade will wind through North Middleboro and feature the Fire and Police Departments, town officials, classic cars and creatively decorated floats. 

Later on July 4 at Peirce Park, a watermelon-eating contest and a greasy pole contest will take place at 1 p.m. Contestants ages 6–12 and 12–17 will compete for a $75 prize in each event. Last year, about 60 participants joined the watermelon contest, while the greasy pole drew 40 to 50 daring competitors.