Celebrating the Fourth
Danvers: Danvers Family Festival 2008 celebrates Independence Day today from 4-9 p.m. at Plains Park, with music, entertainment, children's rides, parachute demonstrations, and fireworks. No coolers permitted. Fireworks rain date, July 5. The annual Highlands Bean Supper, today, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Highland Commons, Centre St., with music by The Maple Sugar Band. Rain date, July 4. $6. For tickets, 978-777-7785 or 978-774-0993. Tickets also at the door. The annual Highlands Horribles Parade, July 4, 9-11 a.m., from Seaboard Products, at Beachwood and Collins streets, to Highlands Common, Centre St. Dress up yourself, your wagon or bike, make your own float, or just march in festive Fourth of July attire. Prizes for Most Like Danvers, Most Patriotic, and Most Horrible. Refreshments for participants. 978-546-6527 or 978-774-0993. danversfamilyfestival.com.
Gloucester: Gloucester's Horribles Parade begins today at 6 p.m. at Gloucester High School, proceeding to Centennial Avenue to Stacy Boulevard and the downtown area. The fireworks display over Gloucester Harbor starts at 10 p.m. 978-283-1601, capeannvacations.com.
Lynn/Swampscott: Lynn and Swampscott join together to present fireworks tonight. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. with a concert featuring the Squeeze Box Stompers at Red Rock Park, Lynn Shore Drive and Prescott Street in Lynn. The fireworks begin at 9 p.m., shot from a barge off Red Rock. Viewing from Lynn Shore Drive in Lynn and Humphrey Street in Swampscott. Lynn Shore Drive and surrounding streets will be closed at 7:30 p.m. until after the show. 781-599-1444, 781-596-8850, ci.lynn.ma.us.
Salem: Salem's Independence Day celebration takes place July 4 at the Salem Maritime Historic Site on Derby Wharf. Opening ceremonies begin at 7:15 p.m. with a United States Air Force military flyover, followed by a two-hour Pops concert by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, a 40-piece ensemble with soloists singing opera to Broadway favorites. At 8:15 p.m., the intermission show will feature members of the Salem State College Summer Theatre cast of the musical "Grease." At 9:15 p.m. a fireworks display will be launched from Derby Wharf with music by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra. Pre-concert festivities begin at 4 p.m. with the opening of Kids' Space, an area filled with music provided by a DJ entertaining youngsters with dances, contests, and prizes. Free children's activities take place all afternoon, including face painting, games, and crafts. Food vending tents open at 4 p.m. Hot dogs, pizza, cold drinks, popcorn, and desserts will be on sale all day. At 5 p.m., North Shore singer Sandra Lee and her band will perform on the Main Stage. Information at salem.com or Salem City Hall, 978-745-9595, ext. 5676.
Wakefield: Wakefield's July 4 parade, a 75-year tradition, is one of Massachusetts' largest. This year's theme is "Proudly We Serve." See marching units, American and Canadian bands and drum corps, horses, fire vehicles, military, and floats from all over the US and Canada. The grand marshal is Sergeant Major Ronald Leblanc (Massachusetts National Guard), recently returned from Afganistan. The parade begins at 5 p.m. July 4 (exit 39 off I-95). Parade route: From Lakeside Office Park, Quannapowitt Parkway, onto North Avenue, to Church Street, to Common Street, south through Wakefield Center, ending at Galvin Middle School. Follow the painted red, white, and blue starts and skyrockets pointing the way on the parade route to the best viewing. The parade is sponsored by the Wakefield Independence Day Parade Committee. 781-246-1291 (after 4 p.m. for parade information only), america704@aol.com, julyparade.org. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. over Lake Quannapowitt. The fireworks are sponsored by West Side Social Club.
Portsmouth, N.H.: The annual Portsmouth fireworks display begins at 9:15 tonight at South Mill Pond, across from Portsmouth City Hall, 1 Junkins Ave. Rain date, July 4, same time. 603-766-1483.Original Source : http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/07/03/celebrating_the_fourth/
