One of the most cherished local high school graduation traditions is the annual march through town that is associated with baccalaureate.

Business owners, families, and community members gather in the streets of downtown Camden to congratulate and cheer for the graduating class. We have worked with local law enforcement about how we could pull off this event this year in a way that adheres to the Governor’s pandemic guidelines.

What we have planned is the following, and we invite the entire community to come be a part of this tradition to help make it extra special for this year’s seniors!

This year will be a totally vehicular event, for graduates, their families, and the community. Graduates and their families will drive in a long procession of cars being led by a bagpiper and the class marshals. Graduating seniors will be in the front passenger seat of the vehicle with their families. All members of the community who want to participate in this special and time-honored community event should park on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of the procession (below). 

We encourage spectators to make signs, bring cowbells, and be prepared to do a lot of cheering. We hope community members from our five towns, whether they have students in school or not, come out in force for this fun event.

The procession will begin at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, June 12.

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 to Pascal Ave., 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! 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. Community members should refrain from joining the procession of cars.  Spectators should remain in their vehicles at all times.