Fireworks, parades: Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Greater New Bedford
The Fourth of July is almost here and the celebration of America's Independence Day has already started in many places. Whether you're looking for a night of vibrant fireworks or a fun down-home parade, or a carnival with amusement park rides, there are plenty of events to fill up the Fourth and the days leading up to it.
So bring on the red, white and blue and start making your holiday celebration to-do list.
Here are some of the July 4th activities around Greater New Bedford to consider this year.
Fireworks
New Bedford Fireworks
9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, (rain date Wednesday, July 5) lit off New Bedford’s State Pier
Freetown Fireworks
9 p.m. Saturday, July 1 (rain date: Sunday, July 9), Assonet Burial Grounds
Marion Fireworks
9 p.m. Saturday, July 1, lit from barge off Silver Shell Beach
Middleboro Fireworks
10 p.m. Saturday, July 1 (rain date: Friday, July 7), Pierce Playground, 26 Jackson St., Middleboro
Middleboro Carnival
When: Friday, June 30 - Saturday, July 8
Where: Pierce Playground, 26 Jackson St., Middleboro
The Middleboro Park Department will host its annual carnival featuring games, rides, and fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Cape Verdean Recognition Parade
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 1
Where: Starts at Buttonwood Park, New Bedford
Kicking off at Rockdale Avenue and Union Street at Buttonwood Park; then heads straight down Union Street, turns left onto Acushnet Avenue, turns right onto Grinnell Street, and turns right onto Purchase Street. The parade will end at the reviewing stand located at the Cape Verdean American Veterans Memorial Hall at 561 Purchase St.
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76th Anniversary Marion Horse Show
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 2
Where: Washburn Park, Washburn Street, 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.
Freetown Fireworks Festival
When: Monday, July 3
Where: Hathaway Park, Water Street, Assonet
More details at https://www.facebook.com/FreetownFireworks.
Fourth of July Car Cruise and Parade
When: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, 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 at 10 a.m. with the traditional cannon-firing by the Fairhaven Village Militia.
Mattapoisett Road Race
When: 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: Shipyard Park, Mattapoisett
A 5-mile run around scenic Mattapoisett Village.
Marion Independence Day Parade
When: 9 a.m. Tuesday, 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.
Westport Fourth of July Parade
When: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: Starts at Central Village and ends at Old High School, Westport
The Westport Fourth of July Parade features floats, antique cars, trucks, and more.
Freetown Parade
When: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: KRR Complex, 12 Narrows Road, Assonet
The parade will begin at KRR field on Narrows Road and end at Hathaway Park on Water Street.
Whaling City Festival
When: Thursday, July 6, through Sunday, July 9
Where: Buttonwood Park, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford
The fun includes a carnival, live pro wrestling, arts and crafts, vendors, a classic car and bike show, and more. For updated event information visit their facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091327135662.
Watch the sky light up with these fireworks shows
Freetown Fireworks
9 p.m. Saturday, July 1 (rain date: Sunday, July 9), Assonet Burial Grounds
Marion Fireworks
9 p.m. Saturday, July 1, lit from barge off Silver Shell Beach
Middleboro Fireworks
10 p.m. Saturday, July 1 (rain date: Friday, July 7), Pierce Playground, 26 Jackson St., Middleboro
New Bedford Fireworks
9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, (rain date Wednesday, July 5) lit off New Bedford’s State Pier
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Fourth of July fireworks and parades in the New Bedford area
