The Fourth of July, or Independence Day as it is also called, celebrates the unanimous decision of the colonies to be free independent states from Great Britain.
A federal holiday, July 4 is traditionally celebrated with family get-togethers, picnics, parades, concerts, and displays of “bombs bursting in air.”
Fireworks celebrations took a backseat for a while with the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020, but this year look for a big return in most cities in towns around the country.
Star Spangled Springfield will be held in Riverfront Park from 6 to 10 p.m. on Monday, July 4, with Fireworks by Grucci set for 9:30 p.m.
“We were able to hold Star Spangled Springfield last year after a one-year absence due to COVID-19, and I am pleased that many Americans across the country will once again be able to join with Springfield in this ultimate celebration of patriotic pride as cities and towns once again return to holding traditional firework celebrations,” said Judith A. Matt, president of Spirit of Springfield.
From 6 to 8 p.m., there will be face painters, balloon artists, and a Massachusetts Army National Guard ball toss. At 7 p.m., there will be welcoming remarks with the National Anthem performed by Vanessa Ford. UnionJack, a 1960s music British tribute band will take to the stage at 7:15 p.m.
Formed in 1979, UnionJack features the look and sounds of the 1960′s British Invasion era and beyond. They will perform everything from The Beatles to the Rolling Stones, Kinks, Dave Clark Five, Hollies, Searchers, and many others.
“Because they represent an entirely different and welcomed musical invasion on our shores back in the sixties, UnionJack is a fitting addition to our celebration and our early heritage,” Matt said.
Food and beverages will be available in the park from 6 to 9:30 p.m. including from Elegant Affairs and Batch Ice Cream.
The pyrotechnics wizardry of Fireworks by Grucci will dance to music broadcast on Mix 93.1FM.
Among the songs accompanying the fireworks of red, white and blue will be “Armed Services Medley” by St. Louis Orchestra, “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen, “We Are The Champions” by Queen, “Rock in the USA” by John Mellencamp, “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood, “Think Freedom” by Aretha Franklin, “America” by Neil Diamond, “God Bless America” by Celie Dion, “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by Bette Midler, “America the Beautiful” by Ray Charles, and Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes.”
In addition to MassMutual and TD Bank, Star Spangled Springfield is supported by 90 Meat Outlet, Affordable Waste Solutions, American Medical Response (AMR), Charlie Arment Trucking, Elegant Affairs, iHeart Media, Joseph Freedman Company, MassLive, Michael’s Party Rentals, Quality Beverage, Republic Services, Sheraton Springfield, Springfield Parking Authority, The Republican, WWLP-22News, and the City of Springfield.
For the public’s safety, officials will be enforcing no alcohol, no smoking, no pets, no bicycles, no skateboards, no roller blades, no drones, no sparklers, and no fireworks in and around Riverfront Park.
The Spirit of Springfield has been presenting Independence Day festivities since 1991.
For more information about Star Spangled Springfield, visit spiritofspringfield.org or contact the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800.
Among the other celebrations planned on and around the Fourth of July holiday to honor our nation’s birthday are:
Agawam
Six Flags and Coca-Cola have teamed up to offer their annual July 4th Fest that runs Saturday through Monday, July 2-4. There will be an epic fireworks display each night at 9:15 p.m. to say Happy Birthday America. Before the spectacular fireworks, visitors can enjoy heart-pounding rides and kiddie rides, too, as well as music and plenty of Coca-Cola themed opportunities. The Coke Studio will offer Coca-Cola and Six Flags themed photo ops through the park and a special Patriotic Punch of Sprite, blue raspberry syrup and a shimmery glitter will be served up in a souvenir cup with a rock candy stirrer. Visit sixflags.com/newengland for more information on hours, admission prices and more.
Amherst
Fun for the whole family is planned at the Independence Day Celebration presented by Amherst Recreation and the town of Amherst on Friday, July 1, at McGuirk Stadium behind UMass Amherst. It all begins at 5 p.m. with live performances, a beer garden, hot air balloon rides, games, prizes, food, raffles, and more. Don’t bring your credit cards, it is a cash only event. For more information, visit amherstmarec,org or call 413-259-3065.
Chesterfield
New this year in Chesterfield is a block party on Sunday, July 3. South Street will become a pedestrian walkway that evening. There will be a car show, live music provided by the band Sidetracked, food trucks from Holyoke Hummus Company and Worthy-Que Smoke N’ BBQ and sweets from the First Congregational Church. On Monday, July 4, a pancake breakfast will be hosted by the Chesterfield Fire Department, music at the firehouse and on the Town Hall lawn, roaming entertainers, historic exhibits and an art show. After the 10:30 a.m.. parade, there will be more music, more entertainers, the Recreation Committee serving up hot food and cold drinks, and the church is back with their famous chicken barbeque.
East Longmeadow
The East Longmeadow Rotary Club announced in May the return of their annual carnival, fireworks and concert series. Following the Sunday, July 3, concert from Trailer Trash at East Longmeadow High School at 7 p.m., America’s independence will be celebrated with fireworks at about 9:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Concessions and refreshments will be available for purchase during the concerts. Parking is expected to be limited and the public is encouraged to carpool or walk to the high school. On Monday, July 4, proper, The East Longmeadow 4th of July Parade Committee will host the largest Independence Parade in the Northeast. Participants will step off from East Longmeadow High School at 10 a.m. More parade information is available at eastlongmeadowma.gov/4th. Also, the family fun carnival, which returned to Center Field on June 30, runs from 6 to 10 p.m., but on July 4 will be open noon to 4 pm. Ride tickets and wristbands will be available for purchase at the carnival.
Greenfield
Greenfield’s Beacon Field will come alive with an Independence Day Fireworks Celebration organized by Greenfield Recreation Department on Friday, July 1, with music, vendors, and more. It all begins at 4 p.m. with mixed music, followed at 5:15 by Pizazz Dance Studio, Lakeside Drive at 6 p.m., the presentation of the Fortin Family Award at 7:10 p.m., Janet Ryan & Straight Up at 7:15 p.m., Greenfield Military Band at 8:30 p.m., and the singing of the National Anthem by Adelaide Ehle at 9:30 p.m. followed by colorful pyrotechnics at 9:35 pm. Rain date is July 5. For more information, visit greenfieldrecreation.com or call 413-772-1553.
South Hadley
South Hadley will hold its annual display of liberty and freedom with fireworks at dusk on Saturday, July 2, at Michael E. Smith Middle School located on 100 Mosier St. The event features food trucks, games, rides and music. People are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or chairs and plenty of bug spray. Since the event is on school grounds, alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed. Rain date is July 5. For more information, call 413-538-5030, ext. 6188.
West Springfield
The town’s Recreation Department has a Kids Color Run and performance by illusionist David Garrity planned for Monday, July 4, on the Town Common beginning at 11:30 a.m. The event is sponsored by Westfield Bank.
Westfield
The city will host an Independence Day parade on Monday, July 4, at 10 a.m. The parade begins at the Hampton Ponds Plaza, on Route 202 and ends at the Hampton Ponds Association Hall at the corner of North and Old Stage roads.
Enfield, Connecticut
Nearby Enfield holds a three-day Fourth of July Town Celebration on the green beginning on July 8, and for those who might have missed catching the holiday fireworks earlier in the week, there will be fireworks on July 10, from Zambelli Fireworks Internationale. The event includes the Taste of Enfield all three days and the Enfield Craft and Vendor Marketplace on Saturday and Sunday. Among the many musical performances spread over three days include Trailer Trash and Johnny Sixgun on Friday and Slaughter, Vixen and Autograph on Saturday. It all comes to an end on Sunday with a performance at 7:30 p.m. prior to the fireworks by the Michael Allman Band, followed by the fireworks at 9:45 p.m. All shows and children’s activities are free. For a complete list of events, visit enfieldcelebration.org.
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