Guest blogger Diane Campagna lives in Rhode Island with her husband and 3 children. You can read about her attempts to be the mom who can do everything at http://www.mainstreetmommy.com, and get Walt Disney World travel advice from her at http://www.disneyworldmoms.com.
People in Bristol, Rhode Island are proud of the fact that their town is home to the Nation’s Oldest Independence Day Celebration. The first celebration was held in 1785, and the tradition has continued every year. A Flag Day Ceremony on the Town Common marks the official beginning of the holiday. The rest of the month leading up to the big day friends and neighbors gather at the many events. Festivities include music, road races, soap box races, house decorating contests, a carnival, a firemen’s muster, fireworks, and even a Fourth of July Ball. It’s a time of year filled with old-fashioned fun and celebration.
Everyone looks forward to the concert series each year. For two weeks leading up to The Fourth there is a nightly, waterfront concert. The free concerts range from classical to rock and everything in between. It’s a fun, relaxing way to spend the evening with family and friends
The week of The Fourth is absolutely one of the busiest in Bristol. Nightly concerts continue, and the carnival comes to town. It’s one of those events every child in town waits for all year long.
Music groups from all over the United States and Canada head to Bristol for the annual Drum & Bugle Corps Competition. It’s quite a spectacle and the top groups always put on an amazing performance. Afterwards, fireworks can be viewed overlooking the bay.
The main event is the annual Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade. That’s the official name, but most people just call it The Bristol Fourth of July Parade. Houses along the parade route are decked out, and spectators dressed in red, white and blue arrive early to find the perfect viewing spot. This is an ideal place for people watching. Filled with pageantry and patriotism, Bristol’s Fourth of July Celebration is certainly worth a visit “America’s most patriotic town.”
