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Cities and towns along the South Coast are preparing for a busy Fourth of July weekend as Americans celebrate the country’s Semiquincentennial.
Fireworks will light up the sky in several locations, and parades will march through town centers. Picnics, concerts, and other long-standing traditions will abound as communities mark America’s 250th anniversary.
So take out your red, white and blue threads and get ready to celebrate. Here is a sampling of local events to celebrate America’s birthday:
New Bedford
New Bedford’s NB250 celebration
Friday, July 3, 9 p.m.
Downtown New Bedford
New Bedford’s NB250 celebration will conclude with a fireworks display over New Bedford Harbor at 9 p.m. Friday, July 3.
The pyrotechnic display will be synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack. Audio will play through downtown speakers and on WBSM 1420 AM and 99.5 FM.
A special Summer Sound Series performance starts at 6 p.m. on Purchase Street with Morrissey Boulevard and Autumn Drive. Cirque de Light entertainers, the New Bedford Art Museum’s ArtMobile, and local restaurants will be part of the festivities.
Fairhaven
MA250: Fairhaven’s Revolutionary Fourth of July Parade & Ceremony
Saturday, July 4, 9 a.m. to noon
Cushman Park
Fairhaven’s Fourth of July parade and cannon ceremony is on Saturday, July 4, as part of the statewide MA250 celebration.
Antique cars will travel through town and gather at Cushman Park before the parade begins.
The procession starts at 9 a.m. from Cushman Park and continues down Green Street to Fort Phoenix.
An Independence Day ceremony follows at 10 a.m. The program includes a traditional cannon firing by the Fairhaven Village Militia.
Fall River
America 250 Celebration: Fall River
Saturday, July 4, 5 p.m.
Multiple locations
Fall River’s biggest summer tradition is set for Saturday, July 4, as fireworks return to the waterfront for the America 250 Celebration. Activities begin at 5 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m.
Public viewing locations include:
- Heritage State Park
- Senator Thomas Norton City Pier
- Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park
Westport
Westport Fourth of July Parade
Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.
Central Village
Westport’s annual Fourth of July Parade takes off at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4.
Marchers will travel from Central Village to the former Westport High School. Lineup begins at 8 a.m. Roads along the route close at 9 a.m.
Community groups, antique cars, tractors, and floats are welcome to participate. Ribbons will be awarded to selected entries.
Mattapoisett
Mattapoisett Celebrates USA 250
Friday, July 3, 4:30 p.m.
Ned’s Point
Mattapoisett will honor America’s 250th anniversary with two days of family activities on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4.
Friday, July 3
4:30 p.m. — Community picnic at Ned’s Point. Families are invited to bring their own picnic suppers. Children’s games and activities will be available.
5:30 p.m. — Welcome ceremony with Brianna Lynch singing “God Bless America.”
7 p.m. — David Dunn performs patriotic music and leads a community sing-along. Ice cream and beverages will be available for purchase.
Saturday, July 4
1 p.m. — Guided bus tours depart from Center School. The tours explore historic Mattapoisett and feature stories about the town’s early history from the 1700s.
Marion
Marion Fireworks
Friday, July 3, 9:15 a.m.
Silver Shell Beach
The Marion Fireworks Committee announced the return of the town’s Independence Day weekend fireworks display at Silvershell Beach on Friday, July 3, at 9:15 p.m. The event is part of Marion’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
A performance by the Marion Concert Band will open the night with patriotic music before the fireworks begin over the harbor.
Rochester
Fourth of July Town Picnic
Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1 Constitution Way
Rochester will mark America’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4, at Town Square. Residents are invited to gather at 11:30 a.m. for a countdown to the nationwide Ringing of the Bells at noon. Guests are encouraged to bring a bell.
A community picnic with free hot dogs, popcorn, and water will follow. Captain Bonney’s Ice Cream will be available for purchase. A patriotic children’s parade begins at 1 p.m., followed by family games and activities. Events conclude at 2 p.m.