Bristol observes the Fourth of July with 234th annual celebration
The scene from Bristol’s 234th celebration of the Fourth of July. This is the nation’s longest continuous celebration. (WJAR)
Bristol will continue to observe the nation’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration on Thursday.
The parade started around 10:30 in the morning by Hope Street and Chestnut Street, but people started to line up hours before.
Many set up camp early to snag prime locations for the parade that is expected to attract thousands.
One parade-goer told NBC 10 that she got up at 3:00 in the morning to find her spot.
“We get up at 3 o’clock in the morning to get our seats, we have cousins day, we hang out and just do things,” said Katelyn Silva from Pennsylvania.
From pavement to properties, patriotism was on full display in Bristol.
Thousands of people pack the parade route along hope and high streets. Plenty of southern New Englanders, but also out of towners too.
NBC 10’s Jared Pelletier met with some patriotically-clad out of towners who explained their Rhode Island ties and the need to come back to the celebration.
“All of our 8 aunts and uncles live here now except for our parents who moved to Pennsylvania and Maryland so now we come up here every year,” said Shannon Derksen from Maryland.
Even though she lives in California now, a woman told NBC 10 what brought her back to this celebration in Bristol.
“I missed this. I missed this action. every year I’m like oh my god it was different there,” said Fatima Gomes.
Parade organizers told NBC 10 they will make it a priority to make sure people are safe and stay hydrated.
Last year about 50 people were treated in the parade for dehydration and other issues.
While covering this year's parade NBC 10 observed an individual being treated for what seemed to be dehydration issues.
An option to stay cool could be Del’s. Our camera crew caught a convoy of the Rhode Island favorite rolling into the area.
On Wednesday thousands packed Independence Park for a pre-parade party.
There was also a Good Night Lights event where people shined flashlights to let patients at Hasbro Children’s Hospital know they were thinking of them.
Stay tuned to NBC 10 for coverage of the festivities in Bristol.
Bristol had its fireworks display last night. Many communities will have theirs tonight. To find a display near you click here.