🎆 More Than Just a Parade
Bristol doesn’t just celebrate on the Fourth — it celebrates for weeks leading up to it. The town hosts a full:
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Fourth of July Concert Series
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Orange Crate Derby
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Fourth of July Ball
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Fireworks over Bristol Harbor (typically on July 3rd)
(Image from The Boston Globe)
Something is happening almost every day in the lead-up, making this a month-long festival of freedom.
And yes — that red, white, and blue center stripe down Hope Street? It stays up all year long. Patriotism isn’t seasonal in Bristol.
💡 Pro Tips for Attending
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Arrive early — people set up chairs days (sometimes weeks!) in advance
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Take the shuttle or use designated parking lots; downtown fills up fast
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Bring sunscreen, water, and a folding chair — and don’t forget your flag!
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Come for the parade, stay for the food: Bristol is full of local cafes, seafood spots, and charming shops
Marching bands keep spirits high and feet tapping down the red, white, and blue. (Image from Austin America-Statesman)
Why It Matters
In a world that often moves too fast, the Bristol Parade reminds us of what’s worth slowing down for: tradition, community, and gratitude for the freedoms we share.
Whether you’re a lifelong Rhode Islander or a first-time visitor, witnessing the Fourth in Bristol is a memory that stays with you long after the confetti settles.
So this summer, pack your stars and stripes and head to the parade that started it all.
Because in Bristol, the spirit of Independence Day doesn’t just live — it marches.
(Image from Bristol, RI)
