Bristol To Hold 'Scaled Back' 4th Of July Celebration

BRISTOl, RI — America's longest-running Fourth of July celebration may look a lot different this year. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the honored Rhode Island tradition will be very scaled back, but the parade will still be held as it is every year. 2020 marks the 235th anniversary of the annual patriotic exercises.

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.

In April, the parade's organizers said some events will be postponed until later in the summer because of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent limits on gatherings.

The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m., as always at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street , ending on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street. A parking ban will be in place along the parade route starting the night before.

This year's Chief Marshal is Suzanne Magaziner.

The latest updates are available on the event's website and social media pages.

Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute. Check your event before you go. Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Check out this roundup of everything from barbecue essentials to patriotic table decor to be sure your July 4 is the best in the USA.