Editorial: More than just a parade

Posted 6/28/17

Everywhere you look, you see the stars and stripes. Giant flags are flying over Town Common and Herreshoff Marine Museum; bunting drapes from windows all over town; even the Mt. Hope Bridge is …

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Editorial: More than just a parade

Posted

Everywhere you look, you see the stars and stripes. Giant flags are flying over Town Common and Herreshoff Marine Museum; bunting drapes from windows all over town; even the Mt. Hope Bridge is turning red, white and blue as an American flag is scheduled to be hung from the north tower Thursday morning.

Bristol is ready for its moment in the spotlight as the oldest continuous Fourth of July Parade is scheduled to step off from Hope and Chestnut streets at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. But while the parade is the undisputed highlight, if that’s all you see, you’re selling yourself short.
The Fourth celebration is so much more than the parade. The party has been going since Flag Day and will continue until the final cannon blast sometime mid-afternoon Tuesday.

Other events that deserve your attention include:

  • The Fourth of July Concert Series is in full swing, rocking Independence Park every night. The concerts continue through July 3, when local favorites Trinity and SIXWIRE wrap up the shows. For a full schedule of the remaining concerts, see page 8.
  • The Summer Music Preview, also known as the drum & bugle corps competition is among the most surprisingly spectacular events in the entire Fourth of July lineup. Professional musicians and dancers, who tour the entire country, put on a truly exciting, impressive show every years. While the competition has been moved to a larger venue out of town, it is worth the trek across the bay to Cranston Stadium on July 3 at 6 p.m. for the spectacular show.
  • Fireworks over Bristol Harbor are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 3.
  • Patriotic exercises. The Fourth of July is more than a party; it is also to remember our country’s roots and honor those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Patriot Speaker Colonel Andrew James Drake will lead the tribute to our military outside Colt School on Hope Street Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.
Bristol Fourth of July

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.