Everything to know about celebrating the Fourth of July around Rhode Island
Many of Rhode Island's cities and towns are planning fireworks shows to celebrate Independence Day in 2023.
Many of the events include music and food. Of course, Bristol throws a huge nationally recognized celebration, many communities around the Ocean State work hard to keep from being outdone.
Whichever one you choose, these celebrations offer a fun time for the whole family. Below is a list of free Fourth of July celebrations happening around the state, broken down by date.
How to stay safe around fireworks
Fireworks are fun. Spending time in the emergency room? Not so much. Thousands are injured by fireworks every year leading up to July 4th. Here's what you should keep in mind when using them in the Hoosier State.
Children and fireworks:
Don't allow children to light or play with fireworks.
Parents should always supervise children when handling sparklers, which can burn up to 1,800 degrees or hotter.
Watching fireworks:
Watch fireworks from a safe distance away from the launch area. Fireworks can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
Storing fireworks:
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Shooting off fireworks:
Only use fireworks outside.
Use fireworks in an open area.
In case of wind, light fireworks where the wind is blowing away from spectators.
Only light one firework at a time.
Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.
Never place a part of your body directly over a firework or hold a firework in your hand when lighting.
Don't aim, point or throw fireworks at another person.
For ground-based devices such as fountains, according to Homeland Security, the perimeter should be 35 feet out.
For aerial devices, it should be 150 feet. Fireworks that don't go off when you light them can still explode.
Never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework. Let duds sit for five or 10 minutes before you pick them up to dowse them in water.
Extinguishing fireworks:
Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.
After a firework has finished burning, douse it with plenty of water before throwing it away to prevent starting a trash fire.
Special considerations:
Be considerate of those with PTSD and other medical conditions. Firework noise can cause extreme stress and reaction in neighbors.
Be considerate of you and your neighbors pets. Animals have sensitive ears. Firework sounds can frighten or stress animals.
Dogs and fireworks: How to keep your pet calm July 4th
Related image (ID: 12173697002)
Most dogs do not handle fireworks well, so helping your canine companion get through Independence Day, say animal experts, should start early. It's recommended pet owners talk to a veterinarian and come up with a plan..
In addition to veterinarian-approved medication, experts suggest setting up a quiet space inside your home buffered as much as possible from outside noise. You can make that space feel safe and comfortable by adding the following things:
Favorite toys.
Familiar blankets.
Chew bones.
Soft music.
Special treats.
TV playing comfortable background noise (preferably not showing fireworks)
What fireworks are legal in Rhode Island?
According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, only ground based devices and sparklers are legal for use by the general public - in this case that means 16 or older. These include:
Ground-based & hand-held sparkling devices
Fountains
Illuminating torches, wheels, spinners, flitter sparklers
Sparklers, party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes, glow worms, wire sparklers & dipped sticks
However, anything with an aerial component is not allowed. Rhode Island General Law states that no one can sell, use or possess display fireworks or aerial consumer fireworks.
Here's where you can find Fourth of July shows and parades in RI by location
Wednesday, July 3
What: Bristol fireworks
Where: Bristol Harbor
Time: 9:30 p.m.
What: Narragansett fireworks
When: Wednesday, July 3
Where: Town Beach
Time: Dusk
Details: Performance by Roomful of Blues
What: Pawtucket fireworks
Where: McCoy Stadium, festivities across the street in front of Jenks Middle School.
Time: 6 p.m. for food trucks, music and festivities; shortly before 9 p.m. for fireworks.
What: Warwick fireworks
Where: Oakland Beach
Time: Dusk
Thursday, July 4
What: Block Island parade
Where: Starts at the Oar ends at the Statue of Rebecca.
Time: 11 a.m.
What: Bristol parade
Where: Starts at Chestnut and Hope streets ends at High Street.
When: 10:30 a.m.
What: Glocester's 98th Ancients and Horribles Independence Day parade
Time: 4 p.m.
Details: Starts at Routes 100 and 98. This year's 98th Grand Marshal is Korean War Veteran Army Cpl. 2nd infantry Pete Robert. Marchers include Jessie Jewel the mermaid, Amy the mime and "some guy with a huge ant (kinda like the Big Blue Bug)," says Kathy LaMontagne, the town's financial clerk. She says, "It is always a surprise as to who or what shows up at 3 p.m." to join in the parade. Several bands are also marching.
What: Newport Fireworks
Where: Newport Harbor
Time: 9:15 p.m.
Quiet fireworks
What: Newport Fireworks without the loud bangs.
Where: Beavertail State Park
Details: The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is inviting people with hearing and sensory sensitivities to a quiet viewing of the Newport fireworks from Beavertail State Park in Jamestown. Viewers can watch the fireworks across Narragansett Bay with less noise.
Friday, July 5
What: Fireworks at Escobar Farm, Portsmouth
Where: 133 Middle Road
When: 9:15 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: July 4th in RI: Where to see fireworks, festivals, concerts
