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Fox News
04-07-2025
- General
- Fox News
America's oldest Independence Day parade marks 240 years of patriotic tradition
A quaint coastal New England town known for hosting the oldest Independence Day parade is once again resuming festivities this year for its 240th anniversary. The town of Bristol, Rhode Island, began hosting celebrations in 1785. Reverend Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church, a Revolutionary veteran, conducted the first known Patriotic Exercises, according to the parade's website. It is believed the festivities evolved from a procession of community members walking to Patriotic Exercises. Sometime in the early 1800s, a more formal parade formed, including the Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade, says the same website. The parade has its own "town crier" who announces, "Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye." "Michael Rielly, who took over as Town Crier on June 14, 2015, during our Flag Day ceremony on the Town Common," says the website. "Michael's grandfather, James D. Rielly, rang the bell for 15 years, retiring in 1989. You will see Michael during Fourth of July events and out front of the Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade ringing his bell." The beach town goes all out beginning celebrations on Flag Day, June 14th. Weeks leading up to Independence Day are jam-packed with various events such as a pageant contest, field day, carnival, concerts, and more. Each year there is a parade float contest with awards for the most patriotic, most beautiful, and most original. Beginning in the early 1900s, the U.S. Navy sends a ship to Bristol for a week during the Fourth. This year's visiting ship is the USS Billings (LCS-15), which is a littoral combat ship operating under the U.S. 4th Fleet. Festivities conclude on July 4th with a 2.5-mile Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade. Fox News Digital reached out to parade organizers for comment.
USA Today
02-07-2025
- USA Today
Oldest July 4th bash? Bristol, Rhode Island, has that and more
Bristol, Rhode Island, takes pride in its 4th of July celebration – Photo courtesy of Eric Dickervitz / Bristol, Rhode Island When it comes to July 4th celebrations, no one has celebrated longer than the citizens of Bristol, Rhode Island, which began "patriotic exercises," as they're called, back in 1785 under the leadership of Henry Wight, reverend of the First Congregational Church and a veteran of the Revolutionary War. Today, this waterfront New England town about 20 miles from Providence celebrates Independence Day for a solid three weeks. Festivities kick off on June 14 (Flag Day) and wrap up with a parade on July 4. In between, there are concerts, fireworks, a Flag Day ceremony, a firefighters muster, a 4th of July ball, and much more. Of course, celebrating the 4th of July is just one of many reasons to visit Bristol. This town offers outdoor recreation, a healthy dose of arts and culture, an appetizing culinary scene, and the coziest accommodations, from bed-and-breakfasts to historic inns. Advertisement Things to do in Bristol, Rhode Island Bristol, Rhode Island, enjoys view of Narragansett Bay – Photo courtesy of Eric Dickervitz / Bristol, Rhode Island Bristol offer plenty of outdoor recreation, and a good starting point is Colt State Park, which sits along the waters of Narragansett Bay. You can launch your canoe or kayak from here, or cast your line from shore for some saltwater fishing. Other activities include biking, hiking, birding, and picnicking. If you prefer long-distance biking, hop on the East Bay Bike Path, a 14.5-mile trail that stretches from Independence Park in Bristol to India Point Park in Providence. If golf is your game, book a tee time at Bristol Golf Park, a nine-hole course. Bristol Golf Park is a public, par 3 golf course – Photo courtesy of Eric Dickervitz / Bristol, Rhode Island To learn more about Bristol, set out on the self-guided walking tour of the downtown area. Starting at the visitor center, you'll pass many notable buildings, such as St. Michael's Episcopal Church (founded in 1718), Namquit Mill, and Colt Memorial School. The total tour is approximately 1.3 miles, so you can move along at your own space. Advertisement Other notable sites in Bristol include Blithewold, a 33-acre summer estate with a 45-room mansion and extensive gardens; the Coggeshall Farm Museum, which gives visitors a taste of farm life in the late 1700s; and the Herreshoff Marine Museum, which features a hall of more than 60 historic boats. For art lovers, not-to-miss attractions include the Bristol Art Museum, The Graham Gallery, and the Kendall Reiss Gallery & Studio. Music and dance enthusiasts will delight in performances at Bristol Theatre Company and The Dance Theater at Roger Williams University. During the summer, Blithewold hosts the Music at Sunset Summer Concert Series on Wednesday nights. From May through August on the last Thursday of the month, check out Art Night Bristol Warren for artist talks and demonstrations, live music, dance, and much more. Where to eat and drink in Bristol, Rhode Island Sunsets along the water are the perfect way to wrap up a day in Bristol, Rhode Island – Photo courtesy of Eric Dickervitz / Bristol, Rhode Island You can't be this close to the water without having some fresh seafood, and several Bristol restaurants offer some of the best. For instance, at Bristol Oyster Bar you can order as many oysters as you like, from a few Narragansett Bay littlenecks to dozens of Rhode Island oysters. Other menu items include salmon, crab cake, swordfish, and more. Advertisement Pizza also is a popular staple in Bristol, with many restaurants serving up pies all day long. These include the Bristol House of Pizza, the Brick Pizza Co., and Classic Pizza & Grill. For a mix of great menu items, check out Leo's Restaurant, Common Pub & Grille, or Portside Tavern. When you're ready to wet your whistle, Bristol has plenty to offer from brews to wine to cocktails. At Aidan's Pub, you can have a pint of Guinness, while O'Brien & Brough Whiskey features a selection of, yes, fine whiskey. The team behind Pivotal Brewing Company serves up everything from ales to lagers to experimental beers in an industry setting with a sleek finish-out. Where to stay in Bristol, Rhode Island As a small town ensconced in history, it seems only right to choose accommodations that celebrate that history. In Bristol, there are several small inns and historic homes that will have you feeling like you've stepped back in time without sacrificing any modern comforts. For instance, built in 1792, the Bradford-Dimond-Norris House has five rooms, each with private baths, all within walking distance of many of Bristol's attractions. Another option is the William's Grant Inn, an 1808 colonial federal-style home with six guest rooms. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Overlooking the water, the Bristol Harbor Inn offers 56 guest rooms and suites that honor the Narragansett Bay with nautical-themed decor. The property also features a micro spa where you can indulge in a massage, body treatment, facial, or other treatment.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Strawberry Festival draws a crowd after CASY lends a hand
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute's way of kicking off the summer took place Thursday with the annual Strawberry Festival. Put on by First Congregational Church, the event took over downtown Terre Haute for the 38th annual year. For just $10, people can purchase a ticket for 'The Works.' That includes biscuits, topped with strawberries, ice cream, and whipped cream. While enjoying that treat, there are tables with tents and live music. Gwen Hicks is a co-chair of the festival. She said the event was almost cancelled, but residents are sure glad it continued. 'It's just an annual event and we just feel that it means so much to so many', Hicks said. 'Today, I've had so many people tell me that they're so glad we're back and that we didn't cancel. It just means so much for me to be here this summer.' The event had been cancelled this year until Chances and Services for Youth, or CASY, stepped up to help out. CASY's Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Halleck, said they provided some much-needed financial support and helping hands for the day. 'When they made the announcement that they weren't going to have it after 37 years, we kind of sat back and thought how can we let this happen when it's such a staple in our community', Halleck said. 'Everybody looks forward to the strawberry festival, it kind of kicks off summer for us. As an agency, we were kind of kicking around the idea then made a couple of phone calls to the church and now we're here today.' The festival took place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., where Hicks said a huge crowd had been enjoying the weather and treats all day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UPDATED: Downtown Terre Haute Strawberry Festival is back on
The annual downtown Terre Haute Strawberry Festival will happen, after all. Through a collaboration between First Congregational Church of Terre Haute and Chances and Services for Youth - or CASY - the Strawberry Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 12 at the First Congregational Church, located at 630 Ohio Street. Earlier this month, the church announced it had to cancel the event, due in part to the closing of B&B foods, which has in the past provided trucks for the event, one with a freezer used for pre-orders and another with a refrigerator in front and freezer in back, used on the day of the event. CASY decided to step up and find a way to keep the annual tradition going. 'We reached out to the church and said what can we do to partner up on this and get this done,' said Brandon Halleck, CASY chief operating officer. He added, 'It's going to be a whirlwind for the next three weeks.' Baesler's Market is assisting in the effort. 'Of course the church is instrumental … they have all the expertise of putting this on for the past 36 years,' Halleck said. Some aspects are still being finalized, but Halleck is confident those will be worked out. Now, organizers are seeking volunteers. 'We're thrilled the church is willing to let us help them put this together,' Halleck said. At CASY, 'We're not new to putting on events.' Gwen Hicks, a First Congregational Church board member who does marketing for the annual event, said of CASY's partnership, 'We're thrilled at the opportunity. We were obviously very sad we weren't going to be able to make it happen for a number of reasons.' But CASY, and Halleck, pulled together some resources to make the annual event possible. 'We just need the volunteers and the public to show up and enjoy the day,' Hicks said. This family-friendly event promises a day of fun and community spirit, with proceeds supporting local youth programs and church initiatives, according to a news release. The Strawberry Festival will feature a variety of strawberry-themed fun, including the infamous strawberry 'works' treat, music from local bands and a kids area. This collaboration between First Congregational Church and CASY aims to bring the community together while raising funds for vital programs. Proceeds will support CASY's mission to provide early childhood education, family support, and youth mentoring services, as well as the church's community outreach efforts. The event is free to attend, with the strawberry 'works' available for purchase for $10. Food purchases can be made with cash or card. Volunteers are needed to help with setup, serving, and cleanup, and those interested can sign up by contacting Emilee Roberts at eroberts@
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Downtown Terre Haute Strawberry Fest canceled for 2025
The First Congregational Church of Terre Haute has announced it is canceling its annual Strawberry Festival for 2025. The church, located at 630 Ohio St., made the announcement on its Facebook page. The event, a fundraiser for the church, has been a popular community celebration. Last year marked its 36th year. The church's "long standing relationship with B & B foods has been an integral part of our ability to hold successful Strawberry Festivals each year," the social media post stated. "Due to the closing of B & B Foods, along with other obstacles in regards to planning the Strawberry Festival, First Congregational Church has decided to pause our annual festival for 2025." The announcement says the church looks forward to exploring new planning options for future festivals. "This is an event that has always relied on and appreciated community volunteers while providing a fun, joyous celebration of summer for the Vigo County community. It is important to us as we navigate a different set up for the Strawberry Festival, that we do it with integrity and diligence to make it as successful as years past," the post states. It concluded, "Although we will not see you in 2025, we look forward to celebrating with the community during our Strawberry Festivals in the years to come."
