The Bristol Fourth of July Parade is not at the top of anyone’s mind right now, but the Fourth of July Band Committee has been hard at work lining up bands for the two-and-a-half-mile march down the famed red, white and blue parade route. Drum and bugle corps fans will be happy to learn that three top-ranked corps are expected to be part of the celebration.

According to Band Committee chairman Alan Palumbo, the world-renowned Hawthorne Caballeros Senior Drum & Bugle Corps have already signed a contract to be in this year’s parade. Not to be confused with the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, the Senior Corps competes on the DCA (Drum Corps Associates) circuit.

“We were lucky to get them,” said Mr. Palumbo, who along with band committee members Anthony Mederos and Roger Dubord, helped secure the services of this famous drum corps. The Cabs will be making their first appearance in Bristol since the 2015 parade.

Not only are the Caballeros being featured in the 2020 Fourth of July Parade, but the perennial DCI (Drum Corps International) champion Cadets of Allentown, Pa., have also agreed to come back this year. Also returning are the Saints Brigade Drum Corps from Port Chester, N.Y., who were well-received at last year’s parade.

“These three drum corps should add a lot of excitement and musical excellence to this year’s parade,” Mr. Palumbo said.

The Fourth of July Band Committee also announced that the Ferko String Band from Philadelphia, Pa. will be returning to Bristol, as will the Mystic Highland Pipe Band from Mystic, Conn.

In addition, the Portuguese Independent Band, the Mt. Hope High School Marching Band, the Somerset-Berkley Regional High School Marching Band, the Cranston East High School Marching Band, the Durfee High School Marching Band, and the Hit Men Brass Band of Rochester, N.Y., are also in the parade lineup.

“Of course, we’ll also have the Pawtuxet Rangers, Kentish Guards, the Bristol Train of Artillery, the Bristol County Fife and Drum Corps, and other military bands featured,” said Mr. Palumbo. “Unfortunately, there are no bands from Minnesota this year.”

“Things are looking good so far,” Mr. Palumbo said.