By JOSEPH FITZGERALD

GLOCESTER — The Ancients & Horribles Parade steps off at 4 p.m. Friday and like the previous 81 Ancients & Horribles parades that have wound their way down Main Street in Chepachet since 1926, this year's 82nd annual parade is sure to please.

Nothing is sacred as Glocester locals spoof local and national politics during the parade, which attracts thousands to the village of Chepachet every July 4th to witness the outlandish floats and extensive lineup of marching bands. Parade grand marshal this year is Dave Chace, who will be accompanied by Honorary Grand Marshal Helen Wilsey. Chace is Glocester's former longtime parks and recreation director.
The parade starts at the intersection of Routes 100 and 98 (Money Hill Road and Steere Farm Road) and ends at Acote's Field on Putnam Pike, Chepachet.
Parade floats will compete for cash prizes and trophies, including $500 for Best in Parade; $250 for Most Ancient; and $100 for Most Horrible.
To register for the parade, registration forms can be filled out online at the town's Web site at www.glocesterri.org. The deadline for online registrations is 3 p.m. on July 3.
Participants can also register in person at the town clerk's office weekdays until 3 p.m. July 3.
Late registrations will be accepted on the day of the parade July 4 on the front lawn of the Town Hall from 9 a.m. to noon.
All registrants must pick up their entry number at the booth across from Jenn's Restaurant on Money Hill Road from noon to 2 p.m. on parade day. Participants must have a number to be judged.
Other parade categories include: Most Politically Incorrect, Best Current Affairs, Funniest Overall, Most Patriotic (walking group), Parade Committee Award, Best In Parade (commercial); Walking Group; Ugly Truck; Small Float; Patriotic Vehicle; Large Float; Decorated Bicycle; and Classic Car.
Glocester's Fourth of July Celebration wouldn't be the same without the  traditional Fourth of July Road Race. The 34th-annual race will be held on July 4 with a start time of 9 a.m. sharp on the grounds of the Chepachet Union Church.
There will be four races: a 5½-mile race, a 1.75-mile race, a 1-mile race for children 8 to 12 years old, and a half-mile race for children 7 years and under. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. The fee is $5 for Glocester residents age 18 and over, and $10 for out-of-towners. Out-of-town youth age 17 and under will pay $5, and Glocester youth can run for free. All participants will receive a T-shirt while supplies last.
The road race and parade culminates the town's Fourth of July celebration, which kicked off Saturday with a a fireworks celebration and food drive at the BGYSA Soccer Complex on Putnam Pike.