Community Corner

Countdown to Fourth: Here are July 3-4 Events in Bristol

The finale to Bristol's weeks-long celebration is scheduled to step off at 10:30 am on Thursday, July 4.

Thursday, July 4 marks the 228th year for the Bristol 4th of July parade — you may have heard it mentioned: It's the oldest such celebration in the United States.

Here's your guide to the lead-up to the big event if you want to celebrate Independence Day at the end of the East Bay Bike Path.

July 3:

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The finale of this year's concert series is set for July 3, with the National Anthem performed by Evie Lavey at 6:20 pm, Billy Lord at 6:30, and Band of Brothers at 7:45 pm.

If you're more a fan of drum and bugle, head over to Mt. Hope High School for the Summer Music Preview at 7 pm, featuring seven bands.

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Then, once the noise from stage and field subside, the real racket begins with fireworks at 9:30 pm over Bristol Harbor.

July 4:

Get some sleep — or visit one of the many house parties or restaurant to-dos and stay up a bit later — before the early 8:30 am start of Patriotic Exercises held in front of Colt School.

Then, at 10:30 am, the 228th Bristol 4th of July Parade begins from the corner of Chestnut and Hope Streets.

Parking restrictions and road closures:

A parking ban along the parade route goes into effect on July 3.

Beginning at 7 am on July 4, Chestnut Street, Naomi Street and Sherry Avenue will be closed to traffic.

Hope Street (Rt. 114), beginning at Poppasquash Road, will be closed starting at 8 am.

Where to park:

The official Bristol 4th of July Committee website states:

Parking is basically anywhere you can find it. Large lots are open to the public at the corner of Hope and Gooding.

Avoid Mt. Hope High School, as the parade forms there are participants will be parking there.

If you are parking on residential streets, please be sure to avoid blocking driveways. Police will ticket.


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