ITEM FILE PHOTO
BY GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — If it’s fireworks you’re looking for this July 4th weekend, don’t look any further than Red Rock Park on the beach at Lynn Shore Drive.
The fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday just after Lois Lane and the Daily Planets perform their brand of classic rock, blues, rhythm and blues, funk, jazz, rock, soul, pop and dance music starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Patrons should bring their own chairs and blankets. The rain date is Wednesday, July 6 at dusk.
Swampscott residents can see the fireworks from the barge at King’s Beach.
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy said the city will not tolerate public drinking, personal fireworks and disorderly behavior. State Police will be checking bags and containers. Food and souvenir vendors will be set up along Lynn Shore Drive.
Lynn Shore Drive will be closed at 7:30 p.m. from Nahant Street to the Swampscott line. Humphrey Street in Swampscott will be closed at 7:30 p.m., and beginning at 6:30 p.m., roads leading from Lynn Shore Drive from Ocean Street will be closed.
There will be no parking on Prescott Road from 3-11 p.m. There will also be no parking on the even side of Cherry Street during the same time. Beginning at 5 p.m., vehicles parked in violation of these restrictions may be towed if an owner cannot be found.
There will no parking on either side of Lynn Shore Drive from Kings Beach Road to 205 Lynn Shore Drive from 3-11 p.m. State Police will be responsible for the enforcement. Emergency vehicles and designated event participants will use the area for parking. Handicap parking spaces will be designated in the marked spots in front of 161 and 169 Lynn Shore Drive.
In Nahant, fireworks are on Monday at 9 p.m. at Bailey’s Hill. The display can be seen from Tudor Beach.
The fireworks will be preceded by road races on Monday morning. Participants for the Tortoise and Hare Three-Mile Road Race will meet at the fire station on Flash Road at 8 a.m.
“Town children’s races kick off at 9 a.m. at the Flash Road Park with our youngest competitors to start,” said Britte Roossien, chairwoman of the Fourth of July Committee. “The races are followed by the three-legged race and the always enjoyable egg toss to wrap up the festivities.”
On Sunday, Nahant will also host a Horribles Parade, which starts at 6 p.m. Children in costume meet on Spring Road and march to the fire station. Hot dogs, drinks and popsicles will be available for the participants.
Marblehead has its own Horribles Parade, hosted by the Gerry 5 Veteran Fireman’s Association, at 10 a.m. on Monday. Registration will be held on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at the Gerry 5 VFA and participants can also register on Monday from 8-10 a.m. in the National Grand Bank parking lot.
Parade organizer Joan Champlin said the parade is for children up to age 14. No cars, trucks or animals are allowed. Children can march or use floats. The kids can dress up based on three categories including current event, original and historical. Each child in the parade will receive 50 cents and a bag of treats. The rain date is Sunday, July 10.
“It’s just something nice for the town, Champlin said.
Fireworks take place at about 9 p.m. at the mouth of the Marblehead Harbor on Monday, but Town Administrator John McGinn said they can be seen from various locations. The rain date is Tuesday.
Also taking place in Marblehead will be the Festival of Arts from Friday to Monday. The event includes art exhibits, performances, a logo contest, culinary arts reception and a street festival.
For the parade, beginning at 8 a.m., School Street will be closed between Pleasant Street and Atlantic Avenue. At 9 a.m., Pleasant Street will be closed between Watson and Washington streets. Essex Street will be closed during the staging and movement of the parade.
For the fireworks display, beginning at 7 p.m., Front Street is closed to traffic. There will be no parking between Franklin Street and Fort Sewall Lane. Franklin Street becomes one way from Front to Washington streets. Washington becomes one way from Franklin to State streets.
After the fireworks, traffic leaving the beach parking lots will merge with vehicles leaving the neck and will only be allowed a right or left hand turn at the intersection of Ocean and Atlantic avenues. Front Street will be closed at State Street to allow for pedestrian traffic along Front coming from Fort Sewall. State Street becomes one-way from Front to Washington streets. All traffic from the area between State and Franklin streets, along with Pond Street will be directed along Mugford and Green streets to West Shore Drive.
For the Festival of Arts Street Festival on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., Washington Street is closed between Rockaway and State streets. There will be no parking along Washington Street between Rockaway and State streets. Pleasant Street will be closed between Rockaway and Washington streets. It is suggested that anyone residing or doing business in the area move their vehicles prior to 11 a.m. or they will be blocked in.
In Peabody, celebrations will be held on Monday.
In Ward 1, festivities take place from 9 a.m. to noon at Raddin Park. The Horribles Parade starts at 9 a.m. at the corner of Blair Terrace and Lynnfield Street. Participants can decorate their bike for the parade. Events at the park include a 50-yard dash, three-point contest, potato sack race, pie eating contest, egg toss, moon bounce, face painting and balloon animals. Hot dogs, chips and slush will be provided. There will be a DJ.
In Ward 2, events will take place at the William A. Welch Elementary School from 9 a.m. to noon. The day will begin with a Patriotic Parade at 9:15 a.m. in front of the school. Participants are encouraged to bring their bikes, scooters, wagons and carriages. Field games, basketball contests, pony rides, a balloon artist, face painting, art activities and a bunny petting area will take place at 9:45 a.m. Music from a DJ will begin 15 minutes later. Free pizza, soft drinks, refreshments, cookies and ice cream will be served beginning at 11:15 a.m.
In Ward 3, celebrations will be at Connolly Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Events include the Horribles Parade, races and an egg toss. Hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn and drinks will be served.
In Ward 4, activities will be at Emerson Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Races and games are planned with ribbons for the winners. Other events include face painting and tattoos. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and ice cream will be available.
In Ward 5, Lt. Ross Park will be the site of events from 9 a.m. to noon. Some activities include the Police Escorted Bicycle and the Tricycle & Doll Carriage Parade, which starts at the Kiley Brothers administration building and ends at the park. Patrons can also enjoy music from a DJ, games, nickels in the hay and a basketball shootout. At 11 a.m., hot dogs and pizza will be served, along with drinks.
In Ward 6, events will be at Symphony Park, including a doll carriage and bicycle and tricycle parade. After the parade, activities include races, face painting, nickels in the hay, moon bounce and a basketball free throw contest. The slam dunk contest will be at 10 a.m. Lunch includes pizza, cookies, drinks and ice cream.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.