Fireworks, carnivals, and parades: Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in the SouthCoast
Bring on the red, white, and blue. It is almost the Fourth of July and there is no shortage of events to celebrate and fireworks to enjoy.
It is time to celebrate America's declaration of independence from Great Britain 246 years ago. To honor life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness make sure to get yourself out into your community to join in these annual festivities.
There are parades to showcase community organizations, carnival games to win, and fireworks to light up the night. So put on your flag t-shirt, pack the cooler with some cold drinks, and wave your flag proudly as the parades march by.
Happy Fourth of July!
Events to celebrate Independence Day:
Middleborough Carnival
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 30 - Monday, July 4
Where: Pierce Playground, 26 Jackson St., Middleboro
The Middleborough Park Department will host its annual carnival featuring games, rides, and fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July.
75th Anniversary Marion Horse Show
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 3
Where: Washburn Park, Washburn St., Marion
Annual open Horse Show with classes that include English, western, saddle seat, driving, miniature horse, and trail. Food can be purchased at the concession stand, picnic lunches are also welcome to be brought with you.
Fourth of July Car Cruise and Parade
When: 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 4
Where: Fairhaven High School, 12 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven
Help celebrate the Nation’s Birthday in true Fairhaven style. Beginning with the raising of the Big Flag at 8:30 a.m. at Fairhaven High School. Then watch the antique cars cruise through town and arrive at Cushman Park to meet up with the start of the Parade. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. from Cushman Park, 154 Green St., Fairhaven, and continue down Green Street to Fort Phoenix, where the Town of Fairhaven will hold the annual Independence Day Ceremony a 10 a.m. with the traditional cannon firing by the Fairhaven Village Militia.
Fourth of July 5 K Road Race
When: 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 4
Where: Pierce Beach, South Street, Somerset
The Billington Family Memorial Fourth of July 5k run follows the scenic Taunton River along Riverside Avenue. It is mostly flat with two small hills.
Marion Independence Day Parade
When: 9 a.m. Monday, July 4
Where: Marion Town House, 2 Spring St., Marion
The Marion Independence Day Parade will proceed from behind the Marion Town House and as follows: east on Main Street to Spring Street; north on Spring Street to Route 6; east on Route 6 to Front Street; south on Front Street to Main Street; west on Main Street to the ball field for disbanding.
'What to the Slave is the Fourth of July'
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, July 4
Where: Greater Fall River Art Association, 80 Belmont St., Fall River
The Greater Fall River Art Association and the Mass Humanities are presenting a reading of Frederick Douglass' "What to the Slave is the fourth of July” speech. Light Refreshments will be served following the program. Following the program, Kristen Cantara-Oliveira from the Historical Preservation Commission will lead a guided tour of the station stops on the Underground Railroad in the area.
Westport Fourth of July Parade
When: 10 a.m. Monday, July 4
Where: Starts at Main and Hix Bridge Road
The Westport Fourth of July Parade features floats, antique cars, trucks, and more. Starting at the intersection of Main Road and Hix Bridge Road it travels north to the Westport Jr/Sr. High School.
Bristol Fourth of July Parade
When: 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 4
Where: Chestnut Street and Hope Street, Bristol, R.I.
The parade will step off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street.
Fall River's 4th of July Celebration
When: 5 to 10:30 p.m. July 4
Where: Heritage Park and Bicentennial Park, Fall River
The fireworks over the Taunton River, which will begin around 9 or 9:30 p.m., will be preceded by music and food trucks at Heritage State and Bicentennial parks. Heritage State Park will have food trucks along the bike path as well as music from DJ Juice until the fireworks begin at 9. At Bicentennial Park there will be a free sunset concert at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Iwo Jima Monument with the Saint Cecilia Band Club, a 30-piece band performing patriotic favorites. Fall River vendor Nonno’s Ice Cream Shoppe will be selling their homemade ice cream and Italian ice at Bicentennial Park.
Fireworks Viewing at Battleship Cove
When: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Monday, July 4
Where: Battleship Cove, 5 Water St., Fall River
Tickets: $10; https://www.battleshipcove.org/special-events
Watch the City of Fall River’s annual Fourth of July fireworks from the decks of the USS Massachusetts. Tickets are limited due to ongoing preservation projects.
Watch the fireworks light up the sky:
Freetown Fireworks
9 p.m. Sunday, July 3 - lit at Hathaway Park, Carleys Way
Bristol Fireworks
9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3 - lit over the Bristol Harbor
New Bedford Fireworks - lit off New Bedford’s State Pier
9 p.m. July 4 - lit off New Bedford’s State Pier
Fall River Fireworks
9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4 - lit from the barge on Taunton River, 1338 Davol Street
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Fireworks, carnivals, parades in Fall River, New Bedford, SouthCoast
