Save Bristol 4th, a coalition of Bristol residents and businesses that joined together to restore the Bristol 4th of July Concert Series to Independence Park, has announced that they have reached their initial $17,000 fundraising goal. 

Their goal of their GoFundMe campaign, launched Feb. 2, was set based on a written statement by Police Chief Kevin Lynch, reported in the Bristol Phoenix on Jan. 30, stating he would “seek an additional $17k-$19k in the FY26 budget to address the public safety concerns of hosting the series at Independence Park.”

In the interest of reaching the $19,000 high end of the range stated by Lynch, and to cover fees charged by GoFundMe, a fundraising event will be held Sunday, Feb. 23 in the Engine Room at Portside Tavern. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and Keats & Co. will play live beginning at 6 p.m. A taco bar will be included in the price, and Vigilant Brewing will donate the proceeds from their beer sales.

To attend, donate $25 or more through the GoFundMe  to be placed on the guest list. Admission is $30 at the door if not on the guest list in advance. RSVPs can also be made on Facebook.

“We are thrilled that the residents and businesses of Bristol have come together for this cause, and we look forward to presenting the petition and the funds raised to the Bristol 4th of July Committee,” said organizers Mark Overy and Allison Borges in a statement. The next Bristol 4th of July Committee meeting will be held on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Burnside Building at 400 Hope Street.