Parade Pokes Fun At Gloucester Pregnancy Spike

BOSTON -- The annual "Horribles Parade" in Beverly Farms mocked the teen pregnancy crisis in nearby Gloucester.

NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported Monday that the parade had the typical festivities, but some reacted with outrage to the three floats that mocked the pregnancies. One of the floats won a $400 second prize.

VIDEO: Parade Pokes Fun At Teen Pregnancies

"To say, 'Oh here is Gloucester,' and to have a bunch of pregnant girls on a float -- that is immature," said Melissa Strangman, of Gloucester.

"It is so rude. Just grow up. There is no point. It's awful. Why would you do that? These girls have to deal with that," said Alison Ciaramitaro, of Gloucester.

Much of what was on the controversial floats was too lewd to show on television. Three parade judges reportedly walked off.

"I spoke to many families who are outraged. There were condoms being thrown around. There were young girls under 17 or 18 dancing around with their tummy sticking out and their rear ends hanging out. Lots of flesh here and there, and people were very upset," said Susanne MacDonald, of Beverly Farms.

Carolyn Kirk, the mayor of Gloucester, said, "Gloucester is deeply offended by certain individuals trivializing and making a mockery of teenage pregnancy."

Beverly Mayor William Scanlon said that the parade is a private event and not city sponsored.

Gloucester is coping with the nationwide coverage of 17 teen pregnancies.

"I saw Mayor Kirk's comments that she wanted an apology, but you know, we are sorry if it offended them. Speaking as a city official, I can't speak for the Pride's Crossing Association," Beverly City Council President Timothy Flaherty said.