Tradition continues for a group of friends at Bristol’s Fourth of July Parade

BRISTOL, R.I. (WLNE) — Bristol residents and visitors are ready to celebrate America Thursday with their annual Fourth of July parade.

The town is the home of the country’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebrations.

And it wouldn’t be the holiday without seeing friends and family and for one group of former high school classmates, this time of year also means a reunion.

“I came up from Florida so we come here every year to be here for the Fourth because we are from Bristol,” Dawn Shanley said.

It’s a tradition that’s been going on for at least ten years now and they said no matter where life takes them, coming home to Bristol for the 4 of July is a top priority.

“There is no other place to be,” Shanley said. “Every 3rd of July we get together with our classmates, spend time, catch up, find out what we have gone through throughout the year, and just be together.”

She added that she starts her day very early on the Fourth of July each year, making sure her crew gets the best spot for the parade.

“I go out at 1 a.m. and I go and sit at our spot,” Shanley said. “I make sure I lay out sheets and chairs and we have it ready for everyone to sit in the shade under a nice big elm tree and we just spend the day together.”

Parade goers are not allowed to set up chairs until 5 a.m. Thursday for the parade that starts at 10 a.m.

A parking ban will go into effect along the parade route from 3 a.m. Thursday until 3 p.m.