As is tradition, the food and fun surrounding the Fourth of July will start a day early in Lynn and Swampscott, with a Wednesday night fireworks show along the waterfront. But that’s just the beginning of the area’s celebrations. Here’s a rundown of what’s open, what’s closed and what do to commemorate the country’s birthday.
What’s open and what’s closed on Thursday, July 4
As a reminder, The Item will not publish on the Fourth of July. Check for breaking news at Itemlive.com.
Post offices: Closed.
City and town offices: Closed; trash and recycling pickups delayed.
State offices: Closed.
State and local courts: Closed.
Federal courts: Closed.
Liquor stores: May be open. Check local stores for hours.
Banks: Most are closed. The Massachusetts Bankers Association suggests using mobile banking or visiting an ATM if you need cash on the holiday. Check with your local branch for more details.
MBTA: All rides on the T are free after 9:30 p.m.
Subway lines will operate on a Sunday schedule until 2 p.m., when all lines will operate at rush-hour levels. Buses will run on a Saturday schedule. The Ride will operate on a Sunday schedule. The Commuter Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule, though the final Newburyport/Rockport Line train out of North Station will be delayed until 11:45 p.m. Check with MBTA.com for trip planning tools and any updates.
Things to do on July 3-4:
Lynn and Swampscott
Both communities will celebrate the holiday with a fireworks display on Wednesday, July 3. The fun starts along Lynn Shore Drive and Humphrey Street at 9 p.m.
Lynnfield
The Lynnfield Athletic Association will host its 52nd 4th of July 5k road race. All proceeds will be used to fund scholarships for Lynnfield High School athletes. The route starts at Town Hall on Summer Street and is a predominantly flat and back route through quiet neighborhood streets. There is one short hill. Wear your red, white and blue and join in the fun. A raffle and award ceremonies are held after the race.
Nahant
Horribles parade on July 3 at 6:15 p.m. Rain or shine. Children will gather at the Town Compost area on Spring Road at 6 p.m. for registration. The parade will end at the Flash Road Park, where there will be hot dogs, popsicles and music.
The Tortoise and Hare Road Race will be on July 4 at 8 a.m. There will be groups for all ages to participate and the event is free. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m.
Town races on July 4 at 9 a.m. rain or shine. The races will be at the Flash Road Playground. There will be an egg toss, three legged race and other traditional competitions.
The annual fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. on July 4 at Bailey’s Hill. The hill will be closed to the public. Spectators typically gather on Willow Road and Bass Point Road.
Peabody
Several selectmen will host events in their respective wards:
- Ward 1: Thursday, July 4 – 9 a.m. to noon at Raddin Park. Horribles Parade starts at 9 a.m. at the corner of Blair Terrace and Lynnfield Street. Decorate your bike for the Horribles Parade then join the fun at Raddin Park. Fun games for all including: 50 yard dash, three point contest, potato sack race, hula hoop contest, pie eating contest, egg toss, with prizes for the winners. Pony rides, face painting, and balloon animals will be available. Hot dogs, chips, drinks and slush will be provided. For more information call City Councilor Jon Turco at 978-335-5709.
- Ward 2: Thursday, July 4 — The Ward 2 celebration is scheduled rain or shine from 9 a.m. to noon at Welch Elementary School, 50 Swampscott Ave., adjacent to O’Connor Park. The day will begin with a Patriotic Parade at 9:15 a.m., registration at 9 at the front of the school. Bring your decorated bike, scooter, wagon or carriage. Fun includes sack races, running races, an egg toss, pony rides, a balloon artist, face painting, art activity, photo booth and basketball contest will take place beginning at 9:45 a.m. Kids can explore a fire truck, see a police vehicle, play at the playground and cool down in the misting tent throughout the morning. The event will include music. There will be a free raffle and prizes will be given out for the various events. Pizza, soft drinks, refreshments, cookies and ice cream will be served free of charge beginning at 11:15 a.m.
- Ward 3: Thursday, July 4 — The Ward 3 celebration will take place at Connolly Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Horribles parade, races and an egg toss are a few of the activities planned. Hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn and drinks will be served. For more information, call City Councilor James Moutsoulas at 978-473-1090.
- Ward 4: Thursday, July 4 — Activities will take place at Emerson Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Events planned are road races and games with ribbons to the winners. There will be face painting, tattoos, moon bounce, balloon animals and other events. Hot dogs, hamburgers and chips will be served. Anyone interested in helping with the festivities, please report to Emerson Park at 8:30 a.m. on July 4. Volunteers are needed and will be appreciated.
- Ward 5: Thursday, July 4 — The Ward 5 4th of July celebration will take place at Lt. Ross Park off Johnson Street from 9 a.m. to noon. The fun event starts with the Police Escorted Bicycle, Tricycle & Doll Carriage Parade starting from the Kiley Brothers administration building to the park. Decorate your entry with a patriotic theme. Line-up for the parade will begin at 9 a.m. After the parade the fun continues with D.J., games, nickels in the hay, basketball shootout and more. At 11 a.m. lunch is served featuring hot dogs, pizza and beverages. If anyone would like to help with any of the events or wish to donate a gift certificate or raffle item for the Ward 5 Scholarship Fund, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact City Councilor Joel Saslaw at 978-535-2204 or [email protected]
- Ward 6: Thursday, July 4 — The Ward 6 4th of July celebration will take place at Symphony Park, off Catherine Drive, from 9 a.m. to noon. All are welcome to join in the fun. The event will begin with a doll carriage, tricycle and bicycle parade at 9 a.m. Decorate your entry with a patriotic theme. Registration for the parade will be at 8:30 a.m. Following the parade there will be music, field events/races, face painting, a moon bounce, bubble zone and a basketball free-throw shooting contest. Lunch will be served starting at 11:30 am with grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, potato chips and drinks. For more information, call City Councilor Mark O’Neill at 978-535-0563.