Bristol Moving Ahead With 2021 Plans For July 4 Parade

BRISTOL, RI — America's oldest Fourth of July celebration is forging ahead, despite obstacles posed by the coronavirus pandemic. The parade's organizers are hoping to return to normalcy this year by bringing back the full slate of Independence Day celebrations.

"We begin to plan the celebration, immediately after we finish the last celebration," the parade committee said in a statement. "We are planning everything, parade, concerts, fireworks and family events, and will adjust and adapt if necessary."

Last year's parade was extremely scaled down due to the strict limits on crowds required to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The parade itself was car-based, while other events such as fireworks and concerts were canceled entirely.

This early in the year, it's impossible to know where Rhode Island will be in the pandemic by July. Improving coronavirus data and the ramp-up of vaccine distribution have offered glimmers of hope that this summer will look a lot more normal than last year.

July 4 is Bristol's defining holiday. The town is home to the country's oldest Independence Day celebration, dating back to the 1770s. The celebration has grown to a weeks-long extravaganza that kicks off on Flag Day in June and includes outdoor concerts, a ball, derby races and more. The most popular of these events is the July 4 parade, when thousands of attendees flock to the narrow streets to vie for a viewing spot along the parade route.

Because July 4 falls on a Sunday this year, the parade will be held the following day, and the fireworks on the fourth itself.

Follow the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration on Facebook for the latest updates.

Related: Coronavirus Can't Touch America's Oldest July 4 Celebration