Bristol parade organizers keep close eye on forecast

July 1, 2014 10:51 pm

By Samantha Lavien

With Tropical Storm Arthur making its way into the region, organizers of the Bristol 4th of July parade are keeping a very close eye on the forecast.

The incoming weather was a hot topic of conversation Tuesday night at Independence Park in Bristol as hundreds came out for a concert as part of the town’s weeks long Fourth of July celebration.

“It’s only once a year, so we pray for good weather,” said Bristol resident Beverly Malloy.

“I have my own poncho so I’ll sit there and watch it,” said Barrington resident Jack Ringland.

The event, now in its 229th year, is the nation’s longest continuous Fourth of July celebration.

The General Chairman of the Fourth of July committee, Ray Lavey, says they will only cancel if the weather becomes dangerous.

“If there’s an issue with lightning or severe thunderstorms or wind then safety would come into play and we would cancel it,” said Lavey

That decision will be made by the town manager and police chief.

Lavey says he can’t remember the parade ever being cancelled.

“It’s never happend in the history of the parade to the best of my knowledge and that goes back 20 years,” said Lavey.

Records show the last time the parade was canceled was in the 19th century. And, back then there was still some form of celebration.

At this point, many are choosing to remain optimistic about Friday’s weather.

“I would say to those out there that may be a little hesitant about coming into town with the weather forecast being what it is to plan on coming anyways. I think the show will go on,” said Manny Correria a past Chief Marshal of the parade.

If the parade is canceled it will not be rescheduled.