Fourth of July in Bristol
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Nationally famous for its July 4th celebrations, Bristol is the place to be to celebrate Independence Day. With the oldest parade in the country and a July 4th Committee devoted to planning celebratory events, there is something for everyone to do July 4th weekend. To honor the holiday permanently, consider engraving your name, organization, family member, or other inscription of your choice into either a brick or granite paver and become a permanent feature of Bristol’s Walk of Freedom.
Music on the Water
4th of July Concert Series, varied times, free, Independence Park, Thames St. Every night features an array of different performers.
July 2: Big In Europe, 6:30pm, The Patrick McAloon Band, 7:45pm
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTJuly 3: The Bristol County Chorus, 6:30pm, Michael DiMucci - An Evening of Stage and Screen Under the Stars, 7:45pm
For the Kids
On July 2, bring your children to Spot the American Flag for an active day of fun at Audubon Environmental Education Center. Try to spot all ten American flags in the exhibit hall! If you find them all, you will receive a special Fourth of July sticker to take home. 1401 Hope St, 9am-5pm, free, 245-7500.
Dance Away
Put on your fancy clothing and dancing shoes on July 2 for the 2011 Fourth of July Ball. Events kick off with cocktails at 5:30, and just get more patriotically festive from there on in. Mt. Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Avenue.
Drum Line
On Sunday July 3, the 2011 Drum & Bugle Corps Competition will feature top Drum and Bugle Corps from the United States and Canada for the 23rd year. This all-American event is highlight of the Bristol Fourth festivities. 7pm at Mt. Hope High School, 199 Chestnut St, 253-0445.
Pyrotechnics
Join Bristol for patriotic fireworks at 9:30pm at Bristol Harbor
And of course: The Parade
This is the one event you cannot miss this year. The oldest parade in the country, this July 4th is the 226th Fourth of July Parade. It will begin at 10:30am with step-off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114), and conclude at the intersection of High Street and State Street. 573.9453
For a deluxe parade experience this year, consider booking a lunch 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 elbow room! It’s always a sellout! 8am–2pm, $60 for adults, $45 for children, 253-0390.
