Fourth of July on the SouthCoast: Where to see fireworks, watch parades, and more
Bring on the red, white, and blue!
It is time to celebrate America's Declaration of Independence from Great Britain 247 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.
The SouthCoast has numerous Fourth of July celebrations to attend, parades to watch, and firework shows to light up the sky. Get in the spirit of the holiday by heading to these local events.
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 to come 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.
Fourth of July 5K Road Race
When: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, 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.
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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.
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 and Hope streets (Route 114) and ends on High Street, between State and Bradford streets.
Fall River’s 4th of July events
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: City Pier, Heritage State Park, and Bicentennial Park, Fall River
Music, food trucks, and family fun on the waterfront. Visit https://fb.me/e/x8t3AuWz for event details.
Fireworks Viewing at Battleship Cove
When: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: Battleship Cove, 5 Water St., Fall River
Tickets: $15; https://www.battleshipcove.org/special-events
Watch the city of Fall River’s annual Fourth of July fireworks from the decks of the Battleship Massachusetts. Tickets are limited due to ongoing preservation projects.
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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.
Independence Day Thrill Show
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, July 8
Where: Seekonk Speedway, 1710 Fall River Ave., Seekonk
Tickets: $25; https://seekonkspeedway.showare.com/ordertickets.asp?p=62&src=eventperformances
The Independence Day Thrill Show features ground-shaking fireworks, Troy City Tactical Spectator Drags, Car and Truck Enduro, figure-8 races, backwards races, enduro drags, enduro races, and more. Check out the crowd-favorite all-women powder puff races on Thrill Shows.
Watch the sky light up with these fireworks shows
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
Bristol Fireworks
9:30 p.m. Monday, July 3, lit over the Bristol Harbor
Freetown Fireworks
9:45 p.m. Monday, July 3, Hathaway Park.
Fall River Fireworks
9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, lit from the barge on Taunton River, 1338 Davol St.
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: July 4th on the SouthCoast: fireworks, parades, carnivals
