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Happy Birthday, America! No fireworks, but other ways to celebrate
A different celebration of July 4th – but celebrate we will!
Friendly reminder: In RI only ground and hand-held sparkling devices (“sparklers”) are legal for use by the general public.
There are no fireworks in the state of Rhode Island that we could find. What an amazing fact that is! 2020 will go down as a quiet year of celebration – most of which might be best watched on television – be in Mt. Rushmore or the National Mall in DC – and toss some good food on the grill.
97% of us will travel by car – and travel in general is off by 15%. Here are some hyperlocal activities around the state, and on television.
Our best wishes for a Happy Fourth of July!
#FreedomFire – an interactive, downloadable APP for your phone – take a look! Go here: https://www.celebr8.world/
FRIDAY – JULY 3RD – ON TELEVISION:
Fireworks at Mt. Rushmore, President Trump to speak, with over 7,500 people expected to be in attendance. Begins at 5pm – fireworks approx. 10:30pm.
SATURDAY – JULY 4TH – ON TELEVISION:
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is happening this weekend. The two hour live telecast from New York City begins at 8pm, with an encore presentation at 10pm on NBC channels, with Today Show anchor Craig Melvin as host. To deter crowds, there will be five-minute pop-up fireworks happening throughout the city, with the grand finale being Saturday night. The surprise shows have been going on all week throughout the city. Some performers announced are Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum), John Legend, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Black Eyed Peas, and The Killers.
Alone on the 4th of July – with The Ellery Street Band – We share a tongue in cheek song and video from The Ellery Street Band, a Rhode Island group together since the late ’70s with Ed Erbe, Tony Aquilante, Steve Medeiros, Steve Badessa, and John Perrotta. Look for their upcoming album.
SATURDAY – JULY 4TH – LIVE, IN RHODE ISLAND:
Cumberland – 94th 4th of July Arnold Mills Parade. The parade will be a ‘“wave parade” or “motorcade” throughout the major roads in town. Parade Info.
Glocester – 94th Independence Day Celebration – Ancients & Horribles Parade – with yards & homes decorated for the celebration. 4pm – More Info.
Newport – Newport International Polo Series will feature the Independence Cup to honor America’s foremost holiday on Saturday, July 4th, 2020 at 5pm. Here for details: http://www.nptpolo.com/?e=event&eventId=31951&rDate=7/4/2020
South Kingstown – Fireworks canceled, instead, the town will hold a flag-raising ceremony with the reading of the Declaration of Independence at Old Mountain Field, 831 Kingstown Road in Wakefield.
Narragansett – Parks and Rec brings local R&B and rock band Brass Force to the North Beach Clubhouse deck at 5pm. Bring a beach chair and get ready to groove. Narragansett Town Beach
Newport – Keep the star-spangled spirit going through Sunday by setting sail aboard Schooner Aurora through the Newport Experience’s Lobster Boil & Sunset Sail. Lobster is served at 5pm before sailing at 6:30pm. Book your reservations now for this family-friendly voyage. Schooner Aurora
Bristol – Bristol 4th of July Parade – A 45 minute parade with parade displays in cars and vehicles – a wave by – details here: https://www.fourthofjulybristolri.com/parade2020
SATURDAY, JULY 4TH – VIRTUAL/ON TELEVISION:
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular – the orchestra will hold a virtual broadcast on July 4, 8pm – https://bostonpopsjuly4th.org/tunein/
Washington, DC: National Mall for a big July Fourth celebration – Salute to America. A secure area for spectators is fenced off. Portable toilets and hand-washing stations are in place. 300,000 masks will be given away. Mile-long detonation of 10,000 fireworks. Defense Department flyovers described as a “one of a kind air show”, and a rollout of military vehicles. Hosted by the President & First Lady from the South Lawn and from the Ellipse.
SUNDAY, JULY 5TH – LIVE:
Block Island – Block Island Country Hang Out at Ballard’s, 10am to 8pm – Line-up for Country Hang Out includes: Steve Daggett, Houston Bernard, Presley and Taylor, Chris Ruedigger, and Barefoot Rebel (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band). More, here: https://ballardsbi.com/event/block-island-country-fest-at-ballards/
For the first time in decades, Lee Greenwood has re-recorded “God Bless the U.S.A.” and released a version he sung with Home Free and The Singing Sergeants: