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.”

In other business, members of the Katama Airfield commission told the selectmen that they were frustrated by continuing delays in renovating a World War II-era airplane hangar at the airfield.

“I’m very frustrated,” airport commissioner Bob Stone told the selectmen. He said the current hangar is an embarrassment to the town, and with the delay, he’s concerned about the commission being able to fund the repairs.

The restoration hit a roadblock because the airfield, which is owned by the town, has a conservation restriction held by The Nature Conservancy.

Conservation agent Jane Varkonda said though a few things are still up in the air, an agreement appears to be close and legal counsel has said the project could go out to bid soon.