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The Bristol 4th of July parade is an iconic Rhode Island summer event.
Michelle Martins, chairwoman of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, says the concerts and performances that usually take place in June will be moved to the last week in August.
She also says the parade –if it happens at all –will be much scaled back from the usual celebration that includes bands and floats from around the country and marching U.S. Navy sailors.
The parade generally draws thousands to the downtown streets of the historic community on Independence Day. It is a must march event for state political figures.
The Bristol Fourth committee works all year to raise money and plan the concerts, pageants and dinners that raise money to support the parade.
But the health crisis has pinched many of the businesses and Bristol residents who financially support the parade. “Everybody is having a hard time right now,” says Martins.
The parade is billed as America’s oldest Independence Day parade. In Bristol, the Fourth is a mixture of patriotism and Old Home Week. High school and family reunions are held during the week of the Fourth. It also brings a shot in the arm to the local economy, particularly for the restaurants, taverns and function rooms.
“We’re trying to do the best we can in these times,” says Martins.
