Going to Bristol's famous July Fourth parade? Here's all you need to know to have a blast

Cheers for the red, white and blue – and for Bristol, the quiet East Bay town that rockets to life each summer as host of the nation’s oldest continuously operating Fourth of July Parade.

If joining almost 200,000 patriotic-clad people who flood the town each July Fourth seems intimidating, have no fear. We’ve got inside pointers and the best advice for an all-American, family-friendly experience like no other.

Plan to arrive early

No one – not even residents along the 2.5-mile parade route – can set up chairs or blankets along the parade route before 5 a.m., so plan to arrive a few hours before the parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. so you can find a good spot. Walk along the parade route – it starts at the corner of Chestnut and Hope streets and follows the red, white and blue road striping to the center of town – to find coveted shade spots if possible, because the sun can be scorching and you’ll be waiting a bit. (First aid is available from emergency medical personnel stationed along the route.) Pets should be left at home.

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Pack a bag

Bring a chair or blanket, or just plop on the curb. But you should plan to bring a bag of supplies to get you through the day. If you’re traveling with children, tuck in books or small games to keep them occupied until the action starts. Scooters and skateboards are OK until the parade starts. Remember to pack cold drinks, snacks and protection from the sun like a hat or sunscreen. Throw in an umbrella if the weather looks iffy, because the parade goes on rain or shine. You can also leave someone in your party to secure your viewing spot and walk to a nearby bakery or coffee shop for sustenance. Try Café Water Street at 279 Water St., where you can get coffee and fresh crepes for a continental spin.

Park wisely

Near the beginning of the parade route, there are two shopping plaza lots used for parking on either side of Gooding Avenue. Get there by 8 a.m. and walk a few blocks to a shady spot along the route. If you’re coming in from the south, look for street parking as close as you can get, remembering not to block driveways or other access points. There are a few other parking lots in the middle of the parade zone, but many key streets are closed at 8 a.m. that day, and a parking ban along the parade route goes into effect the night before the parade.

Enjoy!

Along with the politicians, Scout troops, beauty queens, military reenactment groups, active military and veterans, the Bristol event – officially named the Military, Civic & Fireman’s Parade – features the full marching experience, with Shriners clowns in miniature cars, the Providence Police Department's mounted patrol, marching bands and an array of creative and lavish floats competing for such prizes as “most patriotic,” “most original” and “most beautiful.” Don your red, white and blue attire and dig out battery-operated sparklers, fans and flags to wave. (But fireworks, Silly String, "poppers," streamers, water guns and projectiles of any kind are not allowed.) Once the marchers start coming by, it’s hard not to get caught up in the feeling of patriotism. Give in and join the fun!

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