It looks like we’ll be spared the high water, though organizers have likely faced their fair share of hell trying to put together Bristol’s big day in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. Beset with 11th-hour pullouts (no flyover or 88th Army Band, after all) and changing state regulations, the Fourth of July Committee, led by Michele Martins, along with Parade Chairman Charles McDonough, are poised to execute a different celebration, but one that, according to Martins, will still “reflect true patriotism.”

“We are not expecting a large turnout,” said Parade Chairman Charles McDonough. “It will be a vehicle procession with light entertainment and a few surprises.”

Beginning with the firing of a cannon and the singing of the National Anthem at about 8:15 a.m., the parade will roll out at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. It will proceed down the route at about 3 mph, reaching the Town Common 45 minutes later, where the Patriotic Exercises, the foundation of the historic celebration, will be held.

“It will be very memorable, and our military, veterans, and first responders will be well-represented,” said Ms. Martins.

“We’ve been working very, very, very closely with the Department of Health, the Department of Business Regulation, and the Governor’s Office,” she said. “We are trying to do this as safely as possible.”

In many ways, things will look similar to past years, with a large police and National Guard presence; in many more ways they will look different, with mask and hand sanitizer stations, and visible reminders to not crowd along the route.

No bathroom facilities will be available

This is a big one: there will be no porta-johns on the parade route.

“It pains me to say this, it sounds so unwelcoming, but if you do not live close enough to the parade route to walk home to use the bathroom, or if you are not the guest of someone who lives on the route, there won’t be anywhere to use a bathroom,” said Ms. Martins. “We are trying to be as responsible as possible, and we need to discourage crowds — we con’t want to cause a surge (in Covid-19 infections).”

Road closures

The route along Hope and High streets will be flagged for no parking beginning at midnight and will be closed starting at 7:30 a.m., with reopening on Hope after the procession reaches High, and reopening on High once the procession reaches the Town Common.

Chestnut Street from Naomi Street to Hope Street will close at 6:30 a.m.; only official vehicles will be allowed, and there will be no parking from midnight to noon. Also, State Street between High and Wood streets will close at 7:30 a.m., with no parking from midnight to noon.

Additional rules

• • Blankets and chairs are discouraged; any materials set up before 5:00 a.m. will be confiscated.
• • Overnight camping is prohibited.
• • Areas along the parade route may not be roped off, taped off or blocked any way.
• • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• • Fireworks, Silly String, “Poppers,” streamers, waterguns, and projectiles of any kind are prohibited.
• • Bicycles, skateboards and in-line skates are prohibited along parade route during the parade. Anyone using any such transportation must walk along the parade route with bicycles, skateboards and in-line skates at their side.
• • Soliciting along the parade route is illegal.

“Let’s do this right and show that we can follow the rules,” said Ms. Martins. “This is the time we live in; everyone wore masks to recent protests and there was no surge.”

“I hope everyone has a safe time, and enjoys the holiday,” said Mr. McDonough. “And be thankful for what we can do, and the freedoms that we have.”