Fourth of July Celebration

​The Annual Bristol 4th of July
Celebration began in 1785 when Rev.
Henry Wight of the First Congregational
Church and a Veteran of the Revolutionary
War conducted the first Patriotic
Exercises.

It is not known exactly when the Parade
started butit is thought that it evolved from
the procession of community members
walking to Patriotic Exercises.
The Parade, the Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade, is believed to have begun in the early 1800’s.

Currently, the Celebration officially starts on June 14th, Flag Day and concludes with the 2.5 mile Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade on July 4th. Throughout the period following the Flag Day Ceremony numerous events are scheduled. They include a Concert Series at Independence Park, Fireworks, a Firefighters Muster and a Fourth of July Ball as well as many other events.