Welcome to our 238th Bristol Fourth of July Celebration!

Welcome to Bristol, Rhode Island, where we have been celebrating our nation’s independence longer than anywhere. Our 238th celebration on July 4 is the culmination of many hours of hard work, from our all-volunteer committee, our town officials, our town departments, and our police and fire departments — they all are the champions of our celebration.

We have so much pride for our community and for the joy it brings us each time we raise the flag, say the pledge, fire a cannon or a musket, or just sit and watch the fireworks. We celebrate freedom achieved through the loss of life, and through this celebration we hope to honor those sacrifices. We stand together for many different reasons, especially in honor of those who served and continued to serve so that we all can be free.

Thank you to Steve Contente for accepting the invitation to be our Chief Marshal for the 238th Celebration. You inspire us all with your endless drive to make Bristol an inviting and beautiful town.

As this is my last year as General Chairman, I reflect back on the four-year journey from my first year as Parade Chairman to today. It has been fully of many challenges, but I will leave this position with gratitude for those who were with me in the journey. For the future, I am confident of the committee’s fortitude to carry onward and wish them only the best. I won’t be leaving the committee, only taking the seat in the back of the bus. I want to thank all who make these events a reality each year — our sponsors and our community that comes out to celebrate with us. Special thanks to our Police and Fire departments, without whom we would not have this celebration.

Always on our minds and in our hearts are the men and women of our military, our first-responders, police, fire, and our healthcare workers. Thank you for all you do for us each and every day.

Chuck MacDonough General Chairman 2022/2023

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Greetings and Happy Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July in Bristol Rhode Island is a summertime celebration when the Town joins together to share good times and recognize the unity of our Nation. Generations of families come together, neighbors meet, and friends travel here to be in our seaside Town.

We look forward to all of the Fourth of July events, including the evening concert series, carnival on the Common, the fireworks and of course the parade. We are proud to host a visiting U.S. Navy ship and Coast Guard Cutter to Bristol Harbor.

Great appreciation goes out to all of the members of the Fourth of July Committee for dedicating their time, talent, and energy in continuing the remarkable and fun celebration. Whether you are visiting for the first time, or have never missed a parade, I hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July!