CAMDEN — The show — well, the graduation procession through town — must go on!  

One of the most cherished traditions in the Five Town region is the annual march through town associated with baccalaureate.

Business owners, families, and community members gather in the streets in downtown Camden to congratulate and cheer for the graduating class — and the tradition will continue despite the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We have worked with local law enforcement about how we could pull this off this year in a way that adheres to the Governor’s pandemic guidelines,” the district wrote in a statement.

This year, the event will be a vehicular event for graduates, their families, and the community.

Graduates and their families will drive in a long procession of cars being led by the class marshals.

“We ask graduating seniors to be in the front passenger seat of the vehicle and all members of the community who want to spectate should park on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of the procession,” the district said. “We encourage spectators to make signs, bring cowbells, and be prepared to do a lot of cheering.” 

The procession will be held Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m.

The procession of cars will begin at the Knox Mill parking lot where families will arrive by 6:30 p.m. and get organized to begin the convoy of cars.

The “march” will begin at the top of Elm Street (Main Street) by the library and head down the hill.

The procession will go through downtown, take a left onto Union Street by Village Variety, go out Union through downtown Rockport, across the bridge, and take a right onto West Street.

It will end at the intersection of Rt. 90 and West St. where police will be directing traffic.

“We encourage community members to come celebrate with this year’s graduating seniors,” the district said. “Spectators should plan to park anywhere along that route, on the right-hand side of the road as you are traveling in the direction of the march. Students will all be in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Spectators should remain in their vehicles at all times.”