May 28, 2026, Submitted By Meg Tracy
The Hingham Fourth of July Parade Committee is proud to announce Kerrin McKinnies of Mrs. Sacco’s fifth grade class at South School as the winner of the 2026 Fourth of July Button Design Contest. Kerrin’s artwork has been selected as the official button design for Hingham’s 2026 Fourth of July Parade, bringing this year’s theme, “Happy 250 USA!”, to life in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Kerrin’s colorful design features a festive red, white, and blue cake topped with an American flag, surrounded by patriotic balloons and finished with a “Happy 4th of July 2026” banner. The Parade Committee felt her artwork beautifully captured both the excitement of Independence Day and the significance of this historic milestone for the nation.
The annual Button Design Contest is one of Hingham’s most cherished Fourth of July traditions. Each year, fifth grade students from St. Paul School, Foster School, East School, South School, and Plymouth River School are invited to participate, blending creativity with civic pride as they create designs inspired by the parade’s annual theme. The committee also extends a sincere thank you to the town’s art teachers, whose support helps make the contest such a success each year.
Selecting a winner is never easy. The Hingham Fourth of July Parade Committee carefully reviews every submission, knowing the chosen design carries special significance. The winning artwork is not only worn proudly by residents and visitors throughout the Fourth of July season — it also becomes a permanent part of Hingham’s history. Year after year, parade buttons serve as snapshots of the community, preserving the spirit, creativity, and traditions of each generation. For the students who participate, it is an opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on Hingham — something future fifth graders may look back on 50 or even 100 years from now in admiration.
This year’s result also comes with a remarkable family story. Kerrin follows in the footsteps of her older sister, Mila McKinnies, who won the contest in 2025, making this a back-to-back victory for the McKinnies family. It seems patriotism, artistic talent, and a love for Hingham clearly run in the family.
“Every year, I’m blown away by the creativity, thoughtfulness, and quality that our fifth graders bring to this contest,” said Brian Doherty of the Hingham Fourth of July Parade Committee. “Choosing a winner is never easy because the submissions are so impressive, but seeing the talent and pride these students put into their work reminds you that the future of Hingham is incredibly bright.”
Kerrin was recognized alongside her family at the South Shore Country Club on May 11th, where she received a commemorative plaque featuring her original artwork and final button design — a keepsake celebrating both her artistic achievement and her permanent place in Hingham’s Fourth of July history.