The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941.
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. From 1776 to the present day, the Fourth of July has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.
Festivities across the country range from fireworks and parades to family barbecues and pool parties. While some communities, such as Lynn, Nahant, and Swampscott, held Fourth of July celebrations on July 3 — Lynnfield, Marblehead, Peabody, and Saugus still have plenty to celebrate. Looking to celebrate locally? The Daily Item knows the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July.
LYNN
Despite the rainy conditions, Lynn’s Fireworks Display began at 9 p.m. on Thursday from Red Rock Park. Before the Fireworks, there was a live music performance that started at 7 p.m. by the Dirty Floorboards. The Lynn-based band played right from the center of Red Rock. Many people from Lynn, as well as their neighbors from Swampscott, gathered in lawn chairs to listen.
Numerous families lined the seawall with their spots picked out for the fireworks. There were also multiple vendors serving ice cream, lemonade, and fried dough. Every patio facing the water was lined with spectators, from Lynn Shore Drive all the way down through Humphrey Street. The Dirty Floorboards played on as lighting was spotted off the shoreline. But the fireworks continued nonetheless, offering a unique experience for viewers.
LYNNFIELD
The annual Pillings Pond Foundation family-friendly 5K run is back on in Lynnfield for the Fourth of July. It offers an opportunity for runners, family and friends alike to celebrate.
Participants can choose to run or walk the course in person or to join virtually. This vibrant community event promises fitness, fun and festivities for the Fourth of July. The race is scheduled for Friday, July 4 at 9 a.m. at the Town Common.
MARBLEHEAD
The skies over Marblehead Harbor are set to explode with light this Fourth of July, as the Town is reviving its beloved Fireworks and Harbor Illumination celebration following last year’s cancellation.
Last year, the fireworks display was canceled due to a fire on the fireworks barge. The fire occurred in the early morning hours of July 4 and was determined to be accidental, caused by leftover materials from a previous fireworks show in Lynn. While no new fireworks had been loaded for Marblehead’s show and no one was injured, the event was called off.
This year’s festivities will begin at 8:45 p.m. with the iconic Harbor Illumination when flares will be lit around the perimeter of the harbor, creating a glowing red halo. At 9 p.m., the main event begins, which is a fireworks display launched from a barge anchored at the mouth of the harbor, offering panoramic views from Crocker Park, Chandler Hovey Park, Fort Sewall and countless boats.
“We’re hopeful for a perfect evening,” Chair of the Marblehead Fireworks Committee Alexander Falk said. “We’ve had everything from fog to hurricanes in past years, but the forecast is looking good so far — we’re ready for clear skies and a lot of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs.’”
The entire fireworks display is funded privately through donations. According to Falk, the committee typically raises about $60,000 each year to fund the show, manage logistics and provide safety infrastructure, all overseen by a small group of dedicated volunteers who meet regularly throughout the spring.
While 2024’s show was canceled, Falk noted that funds were retained and redirected toward this year’s show and planning for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, which is expected to be a significantly larger celebration.
“Our website has everything people need to know — from where to park to drone policies and barge safety zones,” Falk said. “If you’re new to the event or just want to plan ahead, it’s all there at marbleheadfire.works.”
As always, Town officials are urging residents to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Fire Chief Jason Gilliland emphasized that even seemingly harmless items like sparklers are illegal in Massachusetts.
“In the last five years, there have been over 550 fires or explosions caused by illegal fireworks,” Gilliland said. “More than 200 people were hospitalized with burns or injuries, and the total damage exceeded $1 million. That’s why we discourage personal fireworks. They’re simply not safe.”
Gilliland noted that the Marblehead Fire Department will respond to any fire or injury, but enforcement and confiscation of fireworks fall under police jurisdiction.
“I’m not saying you need to rat out your neighbors,” he said, “but I wouldn’t want someone lighting off fireworks next to my house either.”
High tide on July 4 is at 7:29 p.m. Low tide will occur after midnight, so boaters should plan anchoring accordingly.
The fireworks barge will be surrounded by a safety zone, marked by four orange buoys and patrolled by the U.S. Coast Guard and civilian barge patrols flying orange “privileged vessel” flags.
Drone operators, both hobbyists and commercial, must adhere to strict rules. Recreational drones are prohibited during the event. Commercial operators must apply for a permit in advance.
In case of severe weather, the rain date is Friday, July 5. Updates will be posted at marbleheadfire.works.
“This event only happens because of the generosity of the people in Marblehead,” Falk said. “It’s a powerful example of what a community can do when it comes together.”
The Marblehead Police Department also shared the following information regarding traffic patterns ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
The press release read that in order to facilitate traffic and pedestrian safety, plans are in place to minimize the effects on residents while providing a safe environment for all in attendance. The following list is specific to the Town’s largest gatherings; however, it may not be inclusive of every event that could impact traffic.
Horribles Parade, July 4 (Rain Date Sunday, July 6): Beginning at 9 a.m., Pleasant Street will be closed between Spring Street and Washington Street (South), and Spring Street will become one-way from Pleasant Street to Sewall Street. Essex Street will be closed in its entirety during the staging and movement of the parade.
Fireworks Display, July 4 (Rain Date Saturday, July 5): Beginning at 7 p.m., several closures will take place to accommodate heavy pedestrian traffic. Front Street is closed to all traffic and “No Parking” between Franklin Street and Fort Sewall Lane. Franklin Street becomes one-way from Front Street to Washington Street. Washington Street becomes one-way from Franklin Street to State Street. The Causeway does NOT get closed absent an emergency before, during or after the fireworks.
After the Fireworks: Traffic leaving the beach parking lots will merge with traffic leaving the neck and be allowed only a right or left-hand turn at the intersection of Ocean and Atlantic Avenues. Front Street is closed at State Street to allow for pedestrian traffic along Front Street coming from Fort Sewall. State Street becomes one-way from Front Street to Washington Street.
All traffic from the area between State Street and Franklin Street, as well as Pond Street, will be directed along Mugford Street and Green Street to West Shore Drive. Note that the MBTA route between the hours of 6-11 p.m. will follow the pre-designated snow route.
Festival of Arts Street Festival, July 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
- Washington Street is closed between Rockaway Street and Darling Street
- Both Rockaway and Darling Streets will remain open to traffic.
- Hooper Street is closed between Tucker Street and Washington Street.
- Mason Street is closed between Tucker Street and Washington Street
“No Parking” will be in effect along Washington Street between Rockaway Street and Darling Street from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Violators will be subject to towing.
For a full list of Festival of Arts activities, check out Marbleheadfestival.org
NAHANT
The Horribles Parade in Nahant Thursday kicked off welcomed participants at 4:30 p.m. at the Spring Road Basketball Courts. The parade started at the courts and ended at Flash Road Park.
Some participants dressed up in costumes of red, white and blue garb, characters, theme costumes, group costumes and more. “We also welcome wagons, bicycles, scooters and strollers to be decorated and a part of the parade,” the Town wrote in a statement.
The community will then gathered at the Wharf for fireworks and music, with the band MojoSlim performed at 6 p.m., and fireworks started at Bailey’s Hill at 9 p.m.
PEABODY
Peabody’s Fourth of July ward-by-ward festivities are scheduled across six parks, from 9 a.m.-noon. Plans for this year include parades, games, sack races, kiddie rides and free snacks, all over town. Check the location and time for each ward celebration here.
Below is a schedule of this year’s events:
Ward 1
Raddin Park, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Ward 1 celebration begins with a Patriotic Parade at 9:45 a.m., with the lineup starting at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Blair Terrace and Lynnfield Street. Activities at Raddin Park begin at 10 a.m. and include a Soccer Skills Challenge hosted by Northfields United, contests such as a potato sack race, hula hoop competition, basketball free throw, pie-eating contest and 50-yard dash. Hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks and Treadwell’s ice cream will be served, and prizes will be awarded to contest winners. Limited edition “We’re #1” shirts will be given out. Those interested in volunteering can contact Councilor Craig Welton at [email protected].
Ward 2
Welch School and O’Connor Park, 9 a.m. to noon
The celebration begins with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by a Patriotic Parade at 9:15 a.m. (registration starts at 9 a.m.). Participants are encouraged to decorate bikes, tricycles, scooters, wagons or carriages. Field games, pony rides, a balloon artist, face painting and a photo booth will follow at 9:45 a.m. Children can explore a fire truck, see a police vehicle, play on the playground and cool off in a misting tent. Music, a free raffle and refreshments — including lunch, soft drinks, cookies and ice cream — will be provided starting at 11:15 a.m. For more information or to volunteer, call Councilor Pete McGinn at 978-531-3587.
Ward 3
Connolly Park, 9:30 a.m. to noon
The Ward 3 celebration kicks off with a Patriotic Children’s Parade at 9:30 a.m. Residents are invited to decorate bikes, strollers, scooters or wagons to participate. Activities include races, games, crafts and the traditional egg toss. Hot dogs, cotton candy, ice cream and more will be served. Those interested in volunteering can contact Councilor Stephanie Peach at 978-595-1173.
Ward 4
Emerson Park, starting at 9:30 a.m.
The celebration begins with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, followed by a Patriotic Children’s Parade. The morning will feature a DJ, races and games, arts and crafts, face painting, a bounce house, an egg toss, hot dogs, hamburgers, Treadwell’s ice cream and other surprises. For questions or to volunteer, contact Ward 4 Councilor Julie Daigle at 617-291-1271. Updates can be found on the “Julie Daigle Ward 4 Peabody City Councillor” page.
Ward 5
Lt. Ross Park, 9 a.m. to noon
The event begins with a Bicycle, Tricycle and Carriage Parade at 9 a.m., starting at the Kiley Brothers Memorial School with a police escort to Lt. Ross Park. Participants are encouraged to decorate entries with a patriotic theme. Activities include races, money in the hay, a bouncy house and an egg toss. A light lunch and beverages will be served at 11 a.m., with raffles and gifts for all children in attendance. Those wishing to assist can contact Councilor David Gamache at 978-230-1539.
Ward 6
Symphony Park (off Catherine Drive), 9 a.m. to noon
The Ward 6 Independence Day Picnic begins with a Patriotic Parade at 9 a.m. featuring decorated carriages, wagons, tricycles and bicycles (registration starts at 8:30 a.m.). The event includes music, sack races, a 50-yard dash, a free-throw shooting contest, coins in the hay, a moon bounce, cornhole boards and a playground. Rainforest Reptile Shows will run from 10-11 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. with grilled hot dogs, burgers, chips and drinks. The celebration concludes with the traditional egg toss. Those interested in helping can contact Councilor Michael Higgins at 781-718-4003.
City officials encourage residents to come out, celebrate the Fourth of July and enjoy the festivities in their respective wards. For more information, contact the Peabody City Clerk’s Office at 978-538-5756 or [email protected].
SAUGUS
Saugus’ Fourth of July celebration started on the third with the annual Third of July Lynnhurst Block Party, which will be followed by the Fourth of July Lynnhurst Block Party, celebrations that have been a tradition in town since 1917.
Thursday’s party went from 6-9 p.m. and included a show from the Brian Maes Band. Friday’s party will kick off at 9 a.m. and go until 11 a.m. Hot dogs, water and popsicles will be provided.
Party goers can expect contests including: Most Patriotic Costume, Dolly Carriages, Tricycles, Bicycles (preschool-7) and Bicycles (8-10). There will also be athletic contests: Potato Sack Race (preschool-13), 3-Legged Race (8-13 and adult), Running Race (preschool-15 and adult), Tug of War (preschool to 10), Hay Stack (preschool-11) and Balloon Toss. Lastly, there will be eating contests: Watermelon Eating (8-13) and Pie Eating (8-13).
SWAMPSCOTT
The Town hosted its annual Firework Festival on the Thursday with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. on the lawn outside Town Hall. Brought to life by Swampscott Recreation, community members gathered to enjoy a variety of vendors, a beer garden and live music before fireworks kicked off at dusk. Many vendors appeared at the festival, like The Hungry Nomad, T.J.’s Taste Truck and Uncle Joey’s Cannoli. Admission was free for all community members.
On the Fourth of July, the town will host the Fourth of July Races at Phillips Park. Crowds were instructed to gather by 10 a.m. sharp, with races officially kicking off at 10:30 a.m. There were races that varied in lengths for any resident from the ages of 3-4 up to 60+.
Entry for participants was in the form of donations to Anchor Food Pantry, such as cereal, mac and cheese and granola bars.
