Arlington Cancels 2021 Patriots' Day Parade, Sets Virtual Events

ARLINGTON, MA — The annual Patriots' Day parade and reenactment of William Dawes and Paul Revere's ride through town have been canceled for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The town's Committee on Tourism and Economic Development is instead taking the weekend celebration online with virtual events and challenges.

The festivities kick off with a red, white and blue home decorating contest. This includes six categories with a winner and runner-up in each: front door, window, front-of-house, yard, car and bicycle. The three-judge panel consists of members of the arts and businesses communities and the Arlington Historical Society.

Sign up for the Uncle Sam's Patriots' Day Challenge by Wednesday, April 14th at 5 p.m. Have your entry ready by 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 17. Winners will be selected based on those who best show the spirit of Menotomy. Shop Arlington First gift certificates, now redeemable at any business in Arlington, will be awarded.

Show off your colonial history knowledge at the online Patriots' Day Trivia Challenge on Monday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. The contest, hosted via Zoom, will consist of six rounds of five questions each, focusing on colonial and local history, including an Arlington-specific round. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Sign up to this Zoom session.

Shop Local! Remember to Shop Arlington First! Tourism officials are inviting local businesses to decorate their storefronts in red, white, and blue and offer specials or promotions to celebrate the weekend. Businesses – let the town know your plans, and it will promote them via its social media channels. Residents – keep an eye out for ways to support the local business community.

Learn more and follow all the festivities on social media:
Facebook @Explore ArlingtonMA
Instagram ExploreArlingtonMA

During the weekend, use the hashtag #PatsDayArlington.

For more info, please contact arlingtonted@gmail.com