NOTE: Event information may be out of date due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Please confirm details with event organizers. (Events in CT)
Independence Day Parades...
Barkhamsted (July 4 th ~ 10 a.m.)
It will leave Town Hall at 10 a.m. and finish up around 11:30 a.m., back at Town Hall. We have tried to go through as many neighborhoods in Town as possible, but could not go into those areas that did not allow through traffic for the fire trucks. That problem eliminated the areas that only have a cul-de-sac in which to turn around. Please head over to the parade route to enjoy the decorated cars and fire trucks whether it goes in front of your house or you have to go a little further to cheer on the first responders and volunteer groups in town. And most of all, have a happy and healthy 4th. CONTACT: (860) 379-8285 {more}
It will leave Town Hall at 10 a.m. and finish up around 11:30 a.m., back at Town Hall. We have tried to go through as many neighborhoods in Town as possible, but could not go into those areas that did not allow through traffic for the fire trucks. That problem eliminated the areas that only have a cul-de-sac in which to turn around. Please head over to the parade route to enjoy the decorated cars and fire trucks whether it goes in front of your house or you have to go a little further to cheer on the first responders and volunteer groups in town. And most of all, have a happy and healthy 4th. CONTACT: (860) 379-8285 {more}
Independence Day Fireworks...
New Britain 4th of July Fireworks
New Britain’s 2020 July 4th “Great American Boom” fireworks, celebrating Independence Day, are moving forward as a drive-in event, and in a different park. Access to the, “drive-in style,” fireworks event on July 4, 2020 will require a parking pass, according to the city. “Parking passes can be picked up at the New Britain Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department (27 West Main Street, Room 302, New Britain, CT, 06051), 8:15am-3:45pm starting from June 26 until July 2nd.”
New Britain’s 2020 July 4th “Great American Boom” fireworks, celebrating Independence Day, are moving forward as a drive-in event, and in a different park. Access to the, “drive-in style,” fireworks event on July 4, 2020 will require a parking pass, according to the city. “Parking passes can be picked up at the New Britain Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department (27 West Main Street, Room 302, New Britain, CT, 06051), 8:15am-3:45pm starting from June 26 until July 2nd.”
LIST of Independence Day Celebrations...
2ND ANNUAL READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Stamford History Center (July 4 at 10 a.m.)
The History Center’s own Rick Petersen will once again recreate the atmosphere of 1776 Stamford in proclaiming the words of the Declaration from the steps of Stamford’s oldest house. Come join us at 10 a.m. for the annual ceremony to start your own Fourth of July celebrations in the proper spirit. Last year’s event provided an electric reminder of our shared heritage and Stamford’s unique position during the War of Independence. This year’s reading will, of necessity, be slightly different as our site buildings are still closed. Masks and social distancing will be expected, and as we will not be serving refreshments, please bring your own water, coffee or tea.
LOCATION: Stamford History Center, 1508 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, CT 06903
ADMISSION: Free.
CONTACT: (203) 329-1183 ( website ) ( email )
Stamford History Center (July 4 at 10 a.m.)
The History Center’s own Rick Petersen will once again recreate the atmosphere of 1776 Stamford in proclaiming the words of the Declaration from the steps of Stamford’s oldest house. Come join us at 10 a.m. for the annual ceremony to start your own Fourth of July celebrations in the proper spirit. Last year’s event provided an electric reminder of our shared heritage and Stamford’s unique position during the War of Independence. This year’s reading will, of necessity, be slightly different as our site buildings are still closed. Masks and social distancing will be expected, and as we will not be serving refreshments, please bring your own water, coffee or tea.
LOCATION: Stamford History Center, 1508 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, CT 06903
ADMISSION: Free.
CONTACT: (203) 329-1183 ( website ) ( email )
LIST of Virtual Independence Day Celebrations...
Virtual: Independence Day Bell Ringing Ceremony (July 4 TIMES: 1:30 p.m.)
Norwalk Historical SocietyCelebrate Independence Day with the Norwalk Historical Society on Facebook Live! The Norwalk Historical Society will host its annual Independence Day Bell Ringing Ceremony virtually. The ceremony will be filmed live at the townhouse at Mill Hill Historic Park and will be live streamed on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/NorwalkHistSoc/ Join the Norwalk Historical Society virtually as it tolls the Town House bell 13 times to commemorate the founding of the original 13 colonies. Excerpts of the Declaration of Independence will be read by Norwalk’s Town Clerk, Rick McQuaid. Guest speakers include Norwalk’s Mayor Harry Rilling and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. The National Anthem will be performed by Emily Rooney, a rising senior at the Center for Global Studies and voice student of Santaniello Vocal Studios in Norwalk, CT. ADMISSION: Free. |
United States Coast Guard Band
July 4 ~ 7 p.m.
Via livestream, the United States Coast Guard Band presents "Gallantley Streaming," an Independence Day celebration. This performance of previously recorded material is an eclectic musical tribute to the nation. Through the Virtual Concert Hall, the Coast Guard Band remains committed to representing the men and women of our service and highlighting the talents of our excellent musicians. ADMISSION: Free. CONTACT: (860) 701-6826
July 4 ~ 7 p.m.
Via livestream, the United States Coast Guard Band presents "Gallantley Streaming," an Independence Day celebration. This performance of previously recorded material is an eclectic musical tribute to the nation. Through the Virtual Concert Hall, the Coast Guard Band remains committed to representing the men and women of our service and highlighting the talents of our excellent musicians. ADMISSION: Free. CONTACT: (860) 701-6826
LIST of Virtual Independence Day Celebration ideas...
Take a Virtual Tour of American Museums and Historical Sites
While life under quarantine has become challenging in many ways, one thing that has improved for many of us is our access to museums. Institutions from sea to shining sea have thrown open their doors digitally, offering free online looks at their exhibits. This 4th, you can celebrate the holiday by delving deeper into the history of our country with virtual visits to NASA, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, George Washington's Mount Vernon, and the Statue of Liberty, among others. Host an Online Patriotic Movie Night
Just because you're socially distancing doesn't mean you can't throw a 4th-themed movie watch party. Browser extensions like Netflix Party, twoseven, Scener, and Metastream enable you to synch videos on various streaming platforms, and—depending on the app—add group text or video chat features, too. Look for patriotic family-friendly flicks to share, from classics including Yankee Doodle Dandy, to newer hits, like Independence Day and An American Tale. Get Crafty with Patriotic Projects
For creative family fun on the 4th, make stars-and-striped-themed crafts like blue and red sun catchers, popsicle stick flags, and patriotic wind socks. Broadcast the project on Facebook Live, so the gang can follow along. { click here } Run a Virtual 5K
There are a lot of us who would never consider using the words "run" and "fun" in the same sentence. But 5K 4th runs—which can usually involve simply strolling—have been exploding in popularity. More recently, online groups have begun offering a wealth of virtual runs that anyone can join and do at their own pace, anywhere in the country. So why not grab the kids and get the party started with a dose of fresh air, sunshine and good, old-fashioned exercise? Don't Forget the Fireworks
While many fireworks displays this year remain in limbo or outright cancelled, there are some cities, like Boston and Nashville, which have confirmed they are going forward with televised events that will include previously recorded material, as well as live performances. Arrange for the whole gang to tune in, and then set up a conference call so you can all "ooooh and "ahhhh" together |
NOTE: Event information may be out of date due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Please confirm details with event organizers. (Events in CT)