We shall forego the ‘sad trombone’ sound as we lament the cancelation of this year’s fireworks display in Marion, again, due to a shortcoming in fundraising … but what the heck. We should do it anyway. (Sad trombone.)
However, we still have options for celebrating the independence of our nation with bangs and oohs and aahs. We just have to travel a little bit to get our fireworks fix.
Maybe you like to fit in as many fireworks displays as possible, or perhaps you just like an early start on the celebration. A good place to go for a July 3 spectacle is the Freetown fireworks held at Hathaway Park on South Main and Water Streets in Assonet. The show starts at 8:00 pm. The rain date, which we hope will be a moot point come the time, is July 9, same time and place.
Middleboro holds its own fireworks event on July 3, starting a bit later at 10:00 pm, always at the Battis Field at the Pierce Playground on Jackson Street. Their rain date is July 5.
On July 4, there is always the spectacular fireworks display over New Bedford Harbor, which is never a disappointment. Fireworks start at 9:00 pm (nice and early for the younger ones), with a rain date the next night, July 5.
FYI, if you miss the Fourth of July fireworks, there is also a fireworks display on July 9 at 9:15 pm at the Walsh Athletic Fields at 328 Parker Street. No rain date is scheduled for this one, though.
Plymouth will have fireworks on July 4 starting between 9:00-9:15 pm over the Plymouth Waterfront, as well.
There’s a plethora of other Independence Day festivities around the area, too, like the annual Marion Fourth of July Parade starting at 9:00 am at the ball field beside the Town House. The parade heads east on Main Street, up Spring Street, and over to Route 6.
Don’t forget the Marion Horse Show at Washburn Park also occurs on July 4, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm!
Over in Mattapoisett is the annual Mattapoisett Road Race, the July 4th race that winds through historic Mattapoisett Village, around Ned’s Point Lighthouse, and back to Shipyard Park at the Town Wharf. Run the 5-mile race or just come out for the fun! The race starts at 9:00 am and the proceeds go towards college-bound ORRHS runners. There is more information at www.mattapoisettroadrace.com.
The Wanderer wishes everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July and a Happy Birthday, America!
Compiled by Jean Perry
