Bristol 4th of July Parade Set to Celebrate its 230th Year
GoLocalProv News Team
Bristol 4th of July Parade Set to Celebrate its 230th Year
The annual Bristol 4th of July parade, the oldest annual parade in the country, will be celebrating its 230th year this Independence Day.
The parade which begins at 10:30 am, will step-off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and end on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street.
Raymond E. Gallison, Jr., a longtime member of Bristol Community, has been declared the chief marshal of the 230th celebration. He currently sits as the Rhode Island House Committee on Finance Chair.
This parade first began back in 1785 when Revolutionary War veteran Reverend Henry Wight, of Bristol's First Congregational Church, conducted the first Patriotic Exercises.
From the early 1900’s on, a Navy vessel has been included as part of the celebration, however due to the Government Sequestration, there was no vessel present at the 2013 or 2014 celebration. This year the USS Shamal (PC 13), commanded by Lieutenant Commander Alisha E. Hamilton, is present at the event.
The parade is the culmination of the celebration which started on June 14: Flag Day. The complete title of the 2.5 mile parade is the Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade.
For more information regarding the parade follow this link.
Where to See Independence Day Fireworks
North Kingstown
Fireworks will be shot off on July 2, at 8:45 PM; the rain date is July 3, at 8:45 PM
The showing will take place at the Town Beach, located on Beach St, North Kingston.
Parking may be challanging for non-North Kingston residents
Fireworks will be launched on July 4, at 9:00 PM from the World War II Memorial Park located at 40 Snow Street in Woonsocket.
Newport
The fireworks will be launched on July 4, at 9:15 PM at the Newport Harbor.
Prime locations to view the display are: Newport Harbor, Fort Adams, Kings Park, all along the waterfront, the Deck, on the docks, 41 North, and Sky Bar at The Clarke Cook House. Parking at Fort Adams and the Visitor's Center.
Portsmouth
There will be fireworks on July 4, at 9:30 PM shot from Escobar's Farm located at 133 Middle Road in Portsmouth.