Happy Birthday America

Break out your red, white and blue t-shirts, hats, flags and banners — it’s time to celebrate the U S of A with parades, parties and, of course, fireworks!

In small towns and cities alike, you’ll find marching bands, bicycle decorating contests, games and more as residents commemorate the Fourth of July. And although we’re commemorating “the Fourth,” local Independence Day celebrations are really spread out over several days — so you can stop by to party again and again!

Fitchburg’s Civic Days program, centered around the Fourth, is always a highlight — starting with a Block Party on Main Street and fireworks on July 3. Flying from the top of Rollstone Hill, the city’s pyrotechnic display can be seen from just about everywhere in town! July 4 itself starts with a bang, with a booming cannon from the top of Rollstone Hill, followed by a parade up Main Street, complete with bands, clowns, fire trucks and more!

The Civic Days program will wrap up from 3-6 pm on July 9 at Riverfront Park on Boulder Drive, where hundreds of yellow toy ducks will bob their way down the Nashua River in the annual Rubber Ducky Race. “Buy” a duck or two, or three, and cheer your racers as they battle to reach the finish line (and perhaps reward you with a prize)! You can party in the park all day, too, with food and games and more.

Communities from Pepperell, Ayer, and Harvard to Athol and Petersham will be rolling out the red, white and blue carpet, with everything from carnivals to parades and fireworks during an extended Independence Day celebration. Pepperell, for example, has its Parade at 10 am and Fireworks at dusk on July 1.

Harvard won’t be lighting the sky with pyrotechnics this year, but on July 4, the town gathers to celebrate such down-home traditions as a pie-eating contest, greased pole climbing, three-legged race, antique car show, and, of course, a parade! Food by the Lion’s Club is always a hit, too!

For the most up to date details on local celebrations, check the communities’ facebook pages, websites, or the extensive calendar of events.