For 43 years, he’s led the annual Fourth of July parade through the streets of Edgartown. But next week’s festivities will be Fred B. (Ted) Morgan Jr.’s last as grand marshal and organizer of the patriotic display.

Mr. Morgan announced that it would be his last year at the Monday selectmen’s meeting this week.

“I’ve enjoyed doing it. The thing I enjoy most about it is when you’re marching through the streets of Edgartown on the Fourth of July, and you see the crowds of people lining up on the sidewalks and every year they seem to be enjoying it. I guess that’s the key, that’s what makes the parade.”

He will hand over the reigns to Joseph E. Sollitto Jr.

“I hope you keep the tradition up,” selectman Art Smadbeck said. “You could set your watch by when that parade starts . . . it is 5 o’clock.”