Rhode Island to celebrate Independence Day

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

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BRISTOL, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island is celebrating Independence Day with fireworks, parades and the nation's oldest Fourth of July celebration in Bristol.

It will be the 227th year that the Fourth is celebrated in Bristol. The town's famous parade is expected to draw 125,000 people to the 2.5-mile course Wednesday morning. This year, it will feature Miss USA Olivia Culpo, a Cranston native.

Providence hosts its own celebration overlooking the water at India Point Park, where the Rhode Island Philharmonic will perform Wednesday evening. The concert will be followed by a fireworks display.

The town of Glocester is scheduled to hold its Ancients and Horribles Parade at 4 p.m. as town residents spoof local and national politics. Block Island and Cumberland also host parades.