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🐚 Why Your Parade Chair Matters (And Other July 4th Stories from the Lower Cape)

Author

Arthur Radtke
July 03, 2025

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Good morning, Lower Cape!

🪑🎆 The Great Parade-Spot Showdown!
Why This Edition Is Fashionably Late

If this landed in your inbox a little late, blame last night’s Rock Harbor fireworks—because who can resist a sky that bright over the bay? I’ll admit, I lost track of time high-fiving neighbors, counting double “oohs” and “ahhs,” and sharing a picnic blanket with half the town. That’s summer Cape magic, and honestly, I’d do it again.

Fast-forward to this morning, where I found myself dodging grandmas with flamingo stakes and lobstermen stacking Dunks cups to reserve their parade turf. Here, saving a spot for the Fourth is a real sport—equal parts mischief, tradition, and pure local pride.

If you’re reading this from your prized chair, congratulations. If you’re still circling for a patch of Main Street, trust me—the stories you’ll collect are better than any front-row view.

Seen a legendary spot-saving move?
Reply and tell us! Best stories get bragging rights in our next edition.

Ready for the most neighborly, food-filled, memory-making week of the year? Parade on!

-Art

🧭 Cottage Chic: Why Waterfront Living is the New Smart Luxury

Ever wondered why the classic Cape cottage never goes out of style? Here’s why Cape’s waterfront hideaways are in a class of their own.

Sponsored by Radtke & Associates — where local meets legit

Picture this: dawn slips quietly across the cove, sunlight glancing off the water, and you’re sipping your coffee on a weathered porch—bare feet, gentle breeze, and the soundtrack of seabirds. Around here, a cottage isn’t just a getaway; it’s a mood, a legacy, and, yes, a very wise investment.

Here’s why the Lower Cape’s most coveted cottages are having a serious moment:

  • Timeless Value: On the Lower Cape, waterfront real estate is more than a trend—it’s a tradition. These coveted cottages weather market swings with enviable grace, quietly growing in value as the years glide by.

  • Effortless Earning: During summer, a classic cove cottage can command impressive rental returns—sometimes enough to cover the whole year’s costs. For many owners, it’s the rare investment that pays you back with both cash and memories.

  • Rare by Nature: With new waterfront builds few and far between, each existing cottage is a singular find—snapped up quickly in close-knit cove communities where neighbors still share clambakes and sunset toasts.

  • Everyday Escape: There’s a premium to waking up steps from the tide, paddling out before breakfast, or watching the sun sink behind the dunes—all from your own front porch. That’s not just value; it’s everyday luxury.

Does a waterfront cottage whisper your name?

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Tell us what a dream cottage means to you—or share your favorite waterfront story for a chance to be featured in our next edition.

🍴 July 4th, Lower Cape: My Dream Food Crawl

If you ask me, the best kind of freedom is the kind you taste. So here’s my play-by-play for the ultimate July Fourth on the Lower Cape—curated for the neighbor who believes every memory should start (and end) with something delicious.

🥞 Sunrise Ritual: Chatham Rotary Pancake Breakfast

Chatham Elementary School • 7:00–10:00 am

Start your day with the real local magic: joining the line outside Chatham Elementary, coffee in hand, while the air buzzes with parade plans and “see you laters.” Inside, griddles sizzle with golden pancakes and the kind of sausages that make even grown-ups grin. You’ll find yourself chatting with everyone from schoolteachers to the parade’s grand marshal—because on the Fourth, we’re all neighbors. $15 for adults, $5 for kids, $30 for a full family, and every forkful helps the town thrive.

Personal tip: I always grab a second helping before the parade—some traditions can’t be improved.

🥐 Mid-Morning Indulgence: Eat Cake 4 Breakfast

Route 6A, Brewster • 7:00 am–2:00 pm

Detour to Brewster for pastry that deserves fireworks of its own. This isn’t just a bakery; it’s a summer morning bottled up in almond croissants, pillowy scones, and those just-baked cakes the Cape can’t keep quiet about. Under new family ownership, the legacy lives on—plus, rumor has it, a new flavor or two will debut just for the holiday. Pick up a box “for later,” knowing it won’t last past noon.

Vogue Move: Pair your croissant with a cold-brew and eat on the museum lawn, wrapped in a breeze off the bay.

🌮🍜 Parade Lunch: Main Street, Chatham

Where the action—and aromas—are.

  • Codo Mexican Kitchen: When the parade thins, duck into Chatham’s buzziest new spot. Tacos stacked with local catch, housemade guac, and that watermelon-jalapeño margarita that tastes like summer with a kick.

Why here: Sometimes the best seat for the parade is actually at the bar. Both spots will pack up your order to go, in case you prefer your lunch al fresco—on a bench, curb, or a friend’s lawn chair.

🦞 Golden Hour: Chatham Bars Inn

Beach House Grill, STARS, The Veranda, Bayview Terrace

There’s no Fourth like a CBI Fourth. You can taste the Atlantic in the oysters, the Cape’s gardens in every salad, and the history in the cocktails—served up with panoramic views of boats and bunting. For pure Gatsby-glam, book STARS (wagyu, scallops, candlelight). Prefer sandy toes? The Beach House Grill delivers lobster rolls and crab BLTs just steps from the surf. Or grab a pizza and cocktail on Bayview Terrace, where the live music floats on the evening air.

Inside scoop: The clambake on the private beach is the stuff of Cape legend—firepits, s’mores, and a front-row seat for fireworks reflected in the water. (Book early: trust me.)

🍦 Finale: Schoolhouse Ice Cream & Ember, Harwich Port

Sweet endings are a must.

Nothing says summer like a double scoop from Schoolhouse or a wood-fired pie from Ember’s lively patio. Here, the only debate is: rainbow sprinkles or extra hot honey on your pizza?

Confession: I’ve ended more Fourths here than I can count—and every one came with a story.

How I’d Do It (and How You Should, Too)

  • Book early at Chatham Bars Inn if you want that wow-factor table.

  • Bike or walk—parking is a sport best left to tourists.

  • Say yes to extra pancakes, seconds on lobster rolls, and at least one impromptu parade dance.

  • Leave room for surprise: the Cape has a way of turning small moments (like a scone on the beach or a stranger’s sparkler) into your favorite holiday memory.

On the Lower Cape, July Fourth is a full-sensory celebration—one best enjoyed bite by bite, neighbor by neighbor. See you out there, hungry and happy.

Orleans & Chatham: July Fourth, Cape Style

It’s parade morning and the air feels charged—like the Cape itself woke up early, eager for the show.
In Orleans, shark fins and laughter spill down Main; in Chatham, Main Street glows with hugs and hometown pride.
Everyone’s out—candy bags ready, floats bigger than last year, stories swapping with every step.
You can feel it: this isn’t just another parade. This is the Cape at full volume, and the whole town is in on it.

Friday, July 4 | 10:00 AM sharp | “We’re Going to Need a Bigger Float”

It’s been 50 years since “Jaws” turned the Cape into Hollywood’s summer haunt, and this year Orleans is leaning in. Main Street will sound just a little like a John Williams soundtrack, and if you catch a familiar “dun-dun, dun-dun” on a tuba, don’t say you weren’t warned.

By 7:30, the Middle School lot is alive with half the town—kids painting cardboard shark fins, friends hugging it out after a year, everyone arguing about which end of Main gets the most candy. The floats are lined up and getting last-minute touch-ups, and someone always has a joke about “not needing a bigger boat, but maybe a longer extension cord.”

Parade Details:

  • Route: Starts at Nauset Regional Middle School, swings right onto Route 6A, then right again onto Main Street, cruises past the library (prime real estate for parade-watching), down Route 28, and loops back to the school. Antique cars stage at Nickerson Funeral Home—a tradition as old as the floats themselves.

  • This Year’s Magic: Over 80 groups—floats, vintage cars, marching bands, dance troupes, and everyone’s neighbor who said “never again” last year. That makes it one of the biggest parades Orleans has seen in ages.

  • The Soundtrack: More music this year—expect The Cyclones (playing in honor of Bruce MacLean) to have Orleans rocking all the way down Main. And, yes, rumor has it there will be a few “Jaws” tributes along the route.

  • Theme: This was all the kids’ idea. When Orleans Elementary was polled for a theme, “We’re Going to Need a Bigger Float” was the hands-down favorite—classic Orleans humor, pure Cape nostalgia, and a wink to our own movie-star shoreline.

  • Grand Marshal: Brendan Guttmann, who practically raised a generation as the town’s rec director, will be waving from the lead car. You can count on him for the biggest smile and the friendliest wave.

  • Awards: Judges will be handing out the classic trophies—including the Bob Ward Memorial Award for most patriotic float. (And yes, everyone will have an opinion about the winners at the after-parties.)

  • Committee: Shoutout to Jenn Allard and her team—this is her last year as chair after helping grow the parade into what it is now. They’re looking for new committee members (and new energy) for next year. If you’ve got ideas, or just want to help direct traffic and wrangle floats, this is your moment.

Insider Moves:

  • Park at Orleans Marketplace, Snow Library, or Cove Road lot (NOT at the middle school—save that for the floats and volunteers).

  • Bring a chair, a bag for candy, sunscreen, and a little patience—detours and closed streets mean you’ll see your neighbors whether you planned to or not.

  • Kids line up early with bikes, and everyone ends up seeing someone they haven’t seen since last Fourth.

  • And, as always, don’t forget: the post-parade block parties are half the fun—expect at least one backyard band cranking out a “Jaws” medley.

The Real Scoop:
This isn’t just a parade. It’s Orleans doing what it does best: making a tradition bigger, louder, and a little more fun every year. The floats will be wilder, the music louder, and the town spirit—well, it’s always too big for just one street.

See you at your family’s usual spot (or stealing a donut from your neighbor’s tailgate).

Friday, July 4 | 9:30 AM (bring your chair by 8, or you’re behind the strollers) Theme: “Seasons of Chatham” | Grand Marshal: Bette Hahner

It wouldn’t be summer in Chatham without Main Street filling up with familiar faces—neighbors, old classmates, cousins you only see once a year, and the ever-growing parade of kids, bikes, and decorated wagons. By the time you roll in (hopefully early), Bette Hahner’s name is on everyone’s lips. This year, she’s leading the way as Grand Marshal—a well-earned nod to decades of volunteer work, from First Night to the garden club, and those perfect fall pumpkins in the park.

Bette’s the one you’ll spot every season, hands in the soil or arms full of decorations, always giving Chatham its best look—no matter if it’s the Fourth, Christmas, or October’s Pumpkins in the Park. Her floats have always been a highlight, but this year, the whole town gets to cheer her on.

Parade morning, Main Street is a blur of last-minute floats, homegrown costumes, and neighbors greeting each other like it’s been a whole winter since they last met (because it probably has). The “Seasons of Chatham” theme fits—summer memories blend with stories of fall festivals, spring blooms, and even those snowy winter parades no one ever forgets.

  • How it feels: Kids dart through the crowd with face paint half-smeared, the DPW guys try to outdo last year’s float, and someone always sneaks in a dog wearing more red, white, and blue than anyone else. You’ll hear the anthem sung by a neighbor’s niece and see Bette waving from the lead car, surrounded by generations who’ve all benefitted from her kindness.

  • Parade wisdom: Bike in if you can, bring coffee and a jacket (the fog never leaves on time), and find your spot early—especially if you want a good view of Bette’s wave and the always-hilarious “inside joke” float from the rotary crew.

  • After: The route wraps up but the celebrating continues on lawns, stoops, and at the bakery—everybody in town seems to have a story about Bette and the good she’s done for Chatham.

This isn’t just a parade. It’s Chatham showing off what makes it special—and this year, Bette Hahner’s rightfully front and center, with the whole town behind her.

Step Into Brewster’s Storybook: Historic Main Street Walking Tour

There are mornings on Cape Cod that just beg for a bit of time travel, and this Wednesday is one of them. If you’ve ever wondered what stories linger behind those weathered shingles and wide porches lining Route 6A, Brewster’s Historic Main Street Walking Tour is the key to unlocking it all.

It starts at 9:30 sharp, Wednesday, July 9th—but let’s be real, if you’re wise, you’ll grab a coffee and a nosh at the Brewster Inn & Chowder House before the stroll. That’s not just a pro move for the taste buds; it’s your portal to the past, since the Inn itself is a bona fide 19th-century gem and the gathering point for this neighborly adventure.

The tour is a one-mile loop, but it’s packed with centuries. With every step, costumed docents (picture: tricorn hats, hoop skirts, twinkling eyes) share the stories that textbooks never could. Pause at homes that predate the steam engine, and listen as the secrets of sea captains and revolutionary rebels echo through the salt air. One local legend? A stately white house that once hid muskets in its attic for the Patriots—a fact that’ll make even the most jaded teen perk up. You’ll meet the ghosts (friendly, mostly) and dreamers who shaped this coastal town, including the dashing Captain Elijah Cobb, whose exploits on the high seas would put any Netflix pirate series to shame.

This isn’t a sleepy history lesson. Expect laughter, gasp-worthy tales, and “I never knew that!” moments, whether you’ve lived here for decades or just arrived for the week. The Brewster Historical Society’s research is meticulous, but the delivery is pure Cape Cod—neighborly, a little cheeky, and impossible not to love.

Tickets are $15 (discounts for members and kids), and every dollar helps keep Brewster’s history alive for the next generation. Space is limited—these tours are a hot commodity in summer, and for good reason. If the weather’s a bit dramatic (rain, not fog; fog just adds atmosphere), check ahead, as tours may reschedule.

So, if you crave a morning that’s part neighborhood gossip, part adventure, and 100% Brewster pride, don’t miss this walk. You’ll never look at “Old King’s Highway” the same way again.

See you at the starting line—look for the crowd with the biggest smiles and the best stories in town.

✈️ Back-2-Summer Hangar Dance Party

Saturday, July 5 | 6:30–10:00 PM | Chatham Municipal Airport Hangar

Let’s be honest—on the Lower Cape, we don’t need much of an excuse to kick off our shoes and dance with neighbors. But when the planes roll out, the band plugs in, and Monomoy Community Services throws open those big old hangar doors? That’s a summer invitation no local would ever ignore.

Here’s the deal:

You show up in whatever says “summer” to you—flip-flops, Red Sox cap, or maybe a lobster-print dress if you’re feeling bold. You grab a bite from Hangar B or slurp a few oysters with old friends (yes, someone’s always got the best local raw bar tip). You claim a patch of pavement or grass, breathe in that mix of salt air and airplane fuel, and let the music pull you in. Suddenly you’re clapping along with neighbors—half of whom you probably know by face if not by name—and for a few hours, the world feels just right.

But this isn’t just about the fun (even if the conga line and that legendary sunset make it feel like pure magic). Every ticket you buy keeps Monomoy Community Services going strong—making sure families right here on the Cape get the support, care, and kindness that make this place special.

What to expect:

  • Live Cape bands: The kind that gets everyone from toddlers to grandpas up and moving.

  • Local eats & sweet treats: Fuel up for dancing—try the chowder, trust me.

  • No fancy dress, no pretense: Just the people you want to see and the music you want to hear.

  • Raffles with a Cape twist: Ever won a plane ride over Chatham? It could be your lucky night.

So if you hear music drifting across George Ryder Road Saturday night, follow it. You’ll find the best kind of crowd—the one that cheers loudest for its own.

I’ll be there, probably with sand still on my sandals and a grin a mile wide. Hope you’ll join me for a night that feels like summer on the Cape is supposed to: fun, generous, and just a little bit wild.

🎺 Sunday Night in Brewster: The Band, The Park, and Us

There’s nothing quite like a Sunday night in Brewster when the breeze slows, the sunlight lingers, and everyone seems to drift, almost by instinct, toward Drummer Boy Park.

No one’s in a hurry.

You see neighbors ambling in, some fresh from the bay, hair still tousled with salt, others balancing folding chairs, kids tumbling ahead, the old windmill turning slow in the evening air.

It’s not a showy affair.

It’s old Cape—unhurried, generous, a little worn at the edges in the best possible way. Blankets get spread, picnic baskets open, and someone always has extra bug spray or blueberry bars to pass around. Friends claim the same spot they’ve had for summers, sometimes without even saying a word.

John New lifts his baton, and suddenly it’s not just music—it’s memory and hope, stitched together. Familiar tunes carry out over the grass. The Chicken Dance finds the kids, and grandpas can’t help but clap along. That old black Lab, Charlie, wags his tail at every note, certain he’s the guest of honor.

There’s no fuss, no script.

Just the comfort of knowing, week after week, this place and these people will be here—sharing laughter, swapping stories about the tides, recalling the year everyone huddled under the pavilion as rain made the music sound even sweeter.

When the last note fades, nobody rushes away.

Folks linger in the dusk, packing up slowly, already making plans for next time. Someone always says, “Same place, next Sunday?” and you know the answer is yes, even if it goes unsaid.

That’s the magic—gentle, human, rooted right here on the Lower Cape. Brewster’s not just a spot on the map. It’s a way of belonging, one Sunday night at a time.

See you under the windmill, neighbor. I’ll bring the cookies—save me a seat.

Mudflat Mania! Brewster’s Wildest Summer Tradition Returns

There’s messy, there’s muddy, and then there’s Brewster’s Mudflat Mania—where you’re pretty much guaranteed all three, plus a tidal-load of local science and neighborly fun. This isn’t your typical nature walk. When the tide heads out, families, curious kids, and anyone up for a little adventure gather at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, ready to hike more than a mile right onto the squishy heart of Cape Cod Bay.

You’ll be guided by naturalists who know every hidden nook in the flats. They’ll help you find moon snails, razor clams, and speedy green crabs—maybe even a sand dollar if you’re lucky. Expect hands-on science with a heavy dose of humor (and a little mud-throwing between siblings). Along the way, you’ll learn why these tidal flats are teeming with life and why locals say it’s Brewster’s best outdoor classroom.

A few pro tips from the museum regulars:

  • Wear old sneakers or sturdy water shoes—leave anything white or fancy at home.

  • Bring a towel and maybe even a change of clothes for the ride home.

  • You can borrow nets and pails, or grab a Mudflat Mania field guide from the Science Shop before you trek out.

  • Sunscreen and bug spray aren’t just smart—they’re essential.

The 2025 kickoff is Monday, July 7 at 3 PM, and tickets sell out quick—no surprise, since it’s just $8 for non-members ($6 for museum members), plus museum admission. Even better: if you miss opening day, there are more dates all summer long, but every local will tell you the first one is extra special. You’ll need to register ahead at ccmnh.org/attractions/mudflat-mania, since spots fill up faster than a tidepool at high noon.

Whether you’re five or sixty-five, Mudflat Mania is pure Lower Cape magic. You come home sandy, grinning, and (let’s be honest) a little bit wiser about the world just under your feet.

Lower Cape This Week: Where Summer Unfolds

July 4th week on the Cape isn’t just parades and fireworks—it’s whale walks, berry festivals, hometown art shows, and music around every corner. Step out, catch the spirit, and let every day surprise you.

Thursday, July 03

Friday, July 04

Saturday, July 05

Monday, July 07

Tuesday, July 08

Wednesday, July 09

🎶 Cape Cod’s July 4th Week: Where the Nights Sing

This is the week the Cape truly hums—when porch lights glow, the breeze smells like sunscreen and fireworks, and every block spills its own soundtrack. Brass bands at sunrise, indie jams by moonlight, secret DJ sets, voices ringing off church walls—if you know, you know.

From parade grooves to midnight dance floors, here’s where the Lower Cape comes alive, one set at a time. Don’t just watch—step in, stay out, let the music find you.

🎆 Thursday, July 3

🎺 Saturday, July 5

🎺 Sunday, July 6

🎺 Monday, July 7

🎺 Tuesday, July 8

🎺 Wednesday, July 9

Cape Mood: The July 4th Week Weather Rundown (July 3–9)

Thu, July 3 – Parade Prep & Patio Plans
Clouds hang around in the morning, but the sun’s ready for showtime by afternoon. It’s warm with that classic Cape breeze—ideal for staking out your parade spot or grabbing a late ice cream.
High 78° / Low 65° · Humidity 78% · SW wind 11 mph

Fri, July 4 – Sunshine & Pure Americana
Fourth of July in full color: flags wave, grills fire up, and the Cape turns into a postcard. Sunshine lasts all day—perfect for a backyard barbecue or classic Main Street parade. Night brings clear skies for swapping firework stories.
High 78° / Low 62° · Humidity 55% · N wind 8 mph

Sat, July 5 – The Afterglow
Still feeling festive! Partly cloudy, gentle breeze—great for a barefoot walk or a lazy afternoon by the water. The Cape’s unwinding but the vibe is still all celebration.
High 77° / Low 67° · Humidity 58% · SW wind 10 mph

Sun, July 6 – Summer’s Sweet Spot
Intervals of sun and clouds, plus a steady southwest wind to keep the kites flying. Beach day? Absolutely. Market run? Even better. Evenings are soft and warm, made for porch chats and slow walks.
High 78° / Low 69° · Humidity 69% · SW wind 16 mph

Mon, July 7 – Breezy & Bright
More sun, a few clouds, and that signature Cape breeze. If you’ve got Monday off, lucky you—it’s a top day for exploring, napping in a hammock, or finishing that leftover pie.
High 79° / Low 70° · Humidity 79% · SW wind 15 mph
Chance of showers late night (50%)

Tue, July 8 – Rain’s Turn to Visit
A true summer switch-up: expect showers off and on, maybe a rumble of thunder. Good day for a bookshop run or hitting a cozy café while the Cape gets a little drink.
High 77° / Low 68° · Humidity 86% · SSW wind 10 mph
Chance of rain 60%

Wed, July 9 – Misty, Moody, Still Magical
Clouds stick around and there’s a chance for more rain, but the Cape is still Cape: green, lush, and full of stories. The perfect pause before summer’s next burst of sun.
High 74° / Low 66° · Humidity 83% · NE wind 8 mph
Chance of rain 30%

Heads up:

  • Sunrise: ~5:10 am | Sunset: ~8:15 pm

  • UV index remains high—don’t forget your sunscreen, even on cloudy days!

  • The fireworks might be over, but the weather’s set for a classic Cape July: sun, breeze, a sprinkle here and there, and plenty of summer left to savor.

Here’s to the holiday weekend—may your skies be clear, your parade seat shady, and your evenings full of stories.

🧭 Until Next Tide

If you spot me at Schoolhouse Ice Cream with sticky hands or see my chair a little crooked on Main, give a wave—I promise, it’s more fun when we all act like we live here year-round (even if we only wish we did).

Send your best stories, your silliest parade photos, your secret clam shack recs. Or just tell me which song the Brewster Band has to play next Sunday. I’ll see you out there—probably in the wrong flip-flops, or asking for just one more scoop.

Here’s to summer: a little sandy, always a little late, and absolutely ours.

—Art

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