Statewide Guide to Fourth of July Events

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

 

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It's not the 4th of July if they're not marching down the red, white and blue-striped streets of Bristol. Photo: usarmyband/flickr

With Independence Day landing on Wednesday this year, it's turning out to be a many-day celebration, and it's starting this weekend. Plan your patriotic activities with our town-by-town guide to all the Fourth of July events, from one end of the state to the other.

Block Island

JULY 3 Fireworks: 9pm, on Crescent Beach, 7 Corn Neck Road. www.blockislandinfo.com

JULY 4 Parade: 11am, Legion Park, 800-383-2474. The march will be accompanied by live music and colorful floats, ending at the statue of Rebecca in Old Harbor.

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Bristol

Bristol is not only nationally recognized for its Independence Day celebrations, but it also hosts the oldest parade in the country! For more information on all these great activities go to www.july4thbristolri.com.

JUNE 28-JULY 4 For the Kids: From June 28-July 4, bring your children to the Town Common, where they can enjoy rides, games, and entertainment. 151 State St, Bristol.

JUNE 30-JULY 1 Decorating Contest: You have a chance to win enter and win one of three cash prizes, being crowned the “Most Patriotic Home/Business!”  There is no entry fee and winners will be announced July 2 at the Independence Park Concert, 245-5942.

JULY 3 Drum and Bugle Corps Competition "Summer Music": Top Drum and Bugle Corps from the United States and Canada will travel and participate in the Drum and Bugle Corps Competition, the highlight of Bristol’s Fourth of July Celebration. As part of the Summer Music Preview, this event is a must-see on your Fourth of July schedule! 7pm at Mt. Hope High School, 199 Chestnut St, Bristol. 316-1353.

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Look up and be amazed: fireworks will be lighting up Rhode Island skies most nights this week. These are over Jamestown's Mackerel Cove. Photo: Anthony Quintano/flickr

JULY 3 Pyrotechnics: Don’t miss Bristol’s fireworks display at 9:30pm at Bristol Harbor.

JULY 4 Patriotic Exercises: The official kick-off on July 4th, Patriotic Exercises, for the 227th continouous time, will be held in front of Colt School, located on Hope Street, in downtown Bristol, from 8:30-9:30am.

JULY 4 The Parade: You cannot miss Bristol’s 227th Fourth of July Parade—the oldest parade in the country! The parade will begin at 10:30am at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114), and finish at the intersection of High Street and State Street.

For those who prefer to watch the parade while having lunch and sipping on a refreshing beverage, should reserve a spot at Linden Place’s Fourth of July Parade Picnic. Located on the parade route, 500 Hope Street, Linden Place offers bleacher-style seating, tables and chairs under linden trees, a continental breakfast and picnic lunch, restroom facilities, and plenty of elbow room! 8am-2pm, $65 for adults, $50 for children, 253-0390.

Jamestown

JULY 7 Concert and Fireworks: Come and enjoy live music from the Rocket Hawks and a spectacular fireworks display at East Ferry Beach in downtown Jamestown. Band performing at 7:30pm, fireworks at 9pm. For more information, go to http://www.rockethogs.com.

Narragansett

JULY 3 Independence Day Beach Party: The celebration will begin mid-day, with a free performance from the 88th Army Band at the North Beach Clubhouse. Festivities will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display. Band performing at 5pm, fireworks at 9pm.

Newport

With lighthouse tours, museum exhibits, fireworks, music, and great food, Newport’s historic waterfront has a full itinerary for celebrating Independence Day.

JULY 4 Community Celebration in Washington Square: 10am-1pm, celebrate your Independence Day at the Newport Historical Society, in Washington Square. Hear the Sons of the Revolution read the Declaration of Independence, watch the Newport Artillery Company fire muskets and cannons, and stop at the Colony House for a ribbon cutting and bell ringing to celebrate the completion of this historic building’s renovations.

JULY 4 Rum & Revolution: Hear thrilling stories of Newport’s colonial rum trade during Prohibition! This event will uncover 300 years of drinking in Newport, as well as alcohols changing role within the community. 11am, 127 Thames St, Newport.  841-8770. www.newporthistorytours.org

JULY 4 Rose Island Lighthouse 4th of July Celebration: 5:30-10:30pm, watch the Newport fireworks from the beautiful Rose Island. This event also offers a mouth watering slow-cooked hardwood barbecue feast, games, Lighthouse and boat transport, and live music. Attendance limited to 150 lucky ticket holders. Call for reservations 847-4242.

JULY 4 Fireworks:  9:15pm, free, Fort Adams, 90 Fort Adams Drive, 841-0707. Parking available at multiple locations, including the Visitors Center. NOTE: FORT ADAMS PARKING WILL BE EXTREMELY LIMITED BECAUSE OF THE AMERICA'S CUP EVENTS. The radiant fireworks will be launched from Fort Adams, but can be seen all along Newport’s waterfront! A recommended spot: Perotti Park.

JULY 5 Road to Independence: This weekly tour on Thursday mornings is perfect for Independence Week in Newport. Hear about the years surrounding the American Revolution, with stories about riots and rebellions, enemies and allies. 127 Thames St, Newport. 841-8770. www.newporthistorytours.org

Pawtucket  

JULY 2-7 Post-game Fireworks after each PawSox game. McCoy Stadium, 1 Columbus Ave, 724-7300. www.pawsox.com

Providence

JULY 4 All-American Cookout: The Whiskey Republic, WHJY and the US Marines are coming together with a BBQ right on the deck at the Providence waterfront. $3 burgers plus red, white and blue beverages (21+) are in the offing, and the Marines will be on hand to accept Toys for Tots donations. The view of the fireworks (below) will be perfect. 7:30-9:30pm, The Whisky Republic, 515 South Water St, Providence, 401-588-5158 or visit www.thewhiskeyrepublic.com

JULY 4 Concert and Fireworks: India Point Park, 109 India St, 7:30pm RI's Miss USA Olivia Culpo will appear with the RI Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Pops, fireworks at 9pm, 785-9450.

Scituate

JULY 3 Fireworks Display with Chowder and Clam Cakes: 5-10pm, free, Hope Jackson Fire Department, 117 Main St. The block party with chowder and clam cakes starts at 5pm, fireworks at 9pm, 647-3366.

South Kingstown

JULY 4 Concert: 5:30-9pm, live entertainment from Waits Corner Band and Westmoreland Street Jammers. Activities, food, and raffles will accompany the live music, 789-9331.

For more Fourth of July coverage, don't miss GoLocalTV, fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.

 
 

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