America's Oldest 4th of July Parade Is Right Here In Rhode Island

BRISTOL, RI — It's almost Fourth of July, marking the 234th anniversary of America's oldest Independence Day celebration right here in Rhode Island. The Bristol Fourth of July parade is a massive celebration and the pride of the town. If you're planning on attending this year, here's what you need to know.

The first Independence Day celebration was held in Bristol in 1785, when Revolutionary War Veteran Reverend Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church held the town's first-ever patriotic exercises. It's not known when exactly the parade began, though its believed to have evolved from people walking to the exercises sometime in the early 1800's. These days, the nearly month-long celebration begins on Flag Day, June 14, with concerts, fireworks, Fourth of July Ball and other events held in the following weeks up until the parade.

This year, James "Jim" Farley will serve as the Chief Marshal. Farley has been a part of the celebration for decades, serving on the planning committee since 1976.

The parade steps off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street and runs to the corner of High and State Streets. Step-off is promptly at 10:30 a.m.

To accommodate the parade, Hope Street, including Poppasquash Road, will be closed to traffic starting at 8 a.m. At 7 a.m., Chestnut Street, Naomi Street and Sherry Avenue will be closed to traffic and a parking ban will be in place for the entire parade route starting the night before.

If you plan on attending the parade, bring water, hats and sunscreen—it gets hot! If possible, leave pets at home.

First-aid areas with local emergency medical crews will be set up along the parade route. Bleacher seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis across from the Reviewing Stand. Handicapped seats will be available at the corner of Hope and Court Streets, and handicapped parking spaces will be across from the Town Hall on Court Street.

Parking is famously difficult for the popular event as evidenced by the parking information on the parade's official website: "Parking is basically anywhere you can find it." If you plan on driving to the event, plan on getting there early, as street parking fills up quickly and parade participants park at Mount Hope High School. Make sure you park legally and don't block any driveways, or you might get a ticket.

To help alleviate traffic, the Providence to Newport ferry will run special trips from both Providence and Newport to Bristol for the parade. A full schedule is available online. Buy your tickets in advance, as trips will likely sell out.

If you want a prime spot along the parade route, set up chairs and blankets early, though anything left before 5 a.m. will be confiscated by town officials.

The following items are banned:

• Alcohol
• Fireworks
• Silly String
• Poppers
• Streamers
• Water guns
• Projectiles of any kind
• Bicycles, skateboards or in-line skates. These must be walked along the parade route.
• Roping, taping or blocking off any sections of the parade route

More information on the parade, its history and this year's officials is available on the official website.