Fireworks, Foodtrucks, Parades and Concerts

Blackstone Valley loves to celebrate Independence Day, and we invite you to check out the Fourth of July festivities  in our communities with fireworks, concerts, food trucks and of course, parades.  

Our region is home to one of the only remaining New England Independence Day traditions of hosting an “Ancient and Horribles” parade right here in Glocester, RI.

You may ask what is the meaning of “Ancients and Horribles”? Well… parades of “horribles” were in New England dating back prior to the 1870s or earlier in various small towns across New England.

A “parade of horribles” is literally a procession of people wearing comic and grotesque costumes and became a traditional feature of Fourth of July celebrations across New England. The earliest known parade in this style occurred on July 4, 1851 in Lowell, Massachusetts and was set up as a parody of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.  Read More

The Glocester Ancients and Horribles Parade originated in 1927 with this year’s parade being its 95th (there was no parade in 1942-45 or 2020) and in keeping with tradition, will include satirical displays, outlandish floats and crazy outfits.  

The Glocester Ancients & Horribles Parade in the village of Chepachet will be held Monday, July 4 starting at 4 pm. But not only is there a parade there is also a road race at 9:00 a.m prior to the parade on July 4.  More Info.  

By the way, another term used for the parade has been “Antiques and Horribles.” How appropriate for Chepachet with all the antique shops up and down Putnam Pike. Definitely worth checking out just to see the funky floats and costumes.

Following suit with the Ancient & Horribles theme, Cumberland’s Annual Arnold Mills Parade is  kicking off with its annual road race Monday, July 4 at 9 am followed by the parade at 11 am.  More Info.

Below is a list of some additional places in the valley to see fireworks and eat from local food trucks:

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*NOTE: Please check the event’s website for any potential updates.

Friday, July 1

• @ 4 – 10 pm Smithfield Independence Day Celebration, Deerfield Park, 1 William J Hawkins Jr Trail

Sunday, July 3

• @ 4 – 10 pm – City of Woonsocket Independence Day Celebration, WWII Veterans Memorial Park, Veterans Way
• @ 5 – 9 pm –  Town of Cumberland Fourth of July Fireworks, Tucker Field, 2600 Mendon Road
• @ 5:30 – 9 pm – Pawtucket Presents Fireworks and Food Trucks, Jenks Jr. High, 380 Division Street
• @ 8 – 11 pm –  City of East Providence Independence Day Fireworks and Concert, Pierce Memorial Field, 201 Mercer Street

What would the Fourth be without barbecues, ice cream or may be a river excursion.  We have plenty of ways to enjoy this glorious Independence Day weekend.

Visit tourblackstone.com for a full list of attractions, restaurants and events.