A Grand 4th of July Celebration in Bristol, RI

Article and photo (downtown Bristol, RI) by Eric H.
Looking for a great fourth of July celebration? Then try the 4th of July celebration in Bristol, RI, America's oldest continuously-running 4th of July celebration. This year's parade begins at 10:30 a.m., at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street. Special events are planned throughout the day, with a fireworks display at 9:45 a.m.

I attended a few of these celebrations many years ago, and remember it as one of the best I've ever been to -- no surprise, given Bristol's dedication to patriotism, small town living and maintaining and enhancing its town's big, old homes and stately buildings.
What's more, Bristol is close to Newport, RI, known for its spectacular mansions, ocean beaches and myriad shopping, lodging and dining opportunities. Bristol, however, is a great travel destination in its own right, with a classic downtown with nice locally-owned stores, lots of great restaurants, a beautiful bike path and the amazing Colt State Park --on Narragansett Bay with great water views and places to walk and fly kites.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better 4th of July event in Bristol. The town prides itself on this special event. Once you're there, you'll know why!

Visiting the Bristol Fourth of July Official Web Site
Read more about Bristol, RI, at VisitingNewEngland.com

Please post some of your favorite New England Fourth of July Celebration Parades!