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With no fireworks, a low-key Fourth in Portsmouth

Prudence will parade, however, and reading of Declaration of Independence is at 9 a.m.

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — For the first time in a long time, there will be no Fourth of July fireworks set off from Escobar’s Highland Farm on Middle Road this year.

“We've had numerous inquires, in reference to our annual 4th of July fireworks. Unfortunately, we will not be hosting them this year,” Escobar’s Farmhouse Inn announced on its Facebook page recently.

There won’t be any rockets’ red glare in Island Park, either. Although there were fireworks last July behind Thriving Tree Coffee House, the Island Park Preservation Society has scheduled them this year for Sunday, Sept. 6

Reading at library

While there will be no fireworks, Anne B. Wagner has organized a different event to get residents into the spirit of Independence Day.

Once again she’s organizing a reading of The Declaration of Independence at the Portsmouth Free Public Library on Saturday, July 4. It will begin at  9 a.m. on the library grounds.

A limited number of copies of the document will be available, or you may bring your own. Children are encouraged to attend and read along with their families.  

Have a face mask with you and be aware of social distancing. Participants may also bring a chair if they wish.

Rain will cancel the event. For further information contact Mrs. Wagner at 401/683-3272.

Prudence parade

Prudence Island residents will have their own parade on Saturday, July 4, with a 10:30 a.m. kickoff time.

The parade will step off at the corner of Daniel and Madison avenues. People wishing to join the parade can assemble on Daniel Avenue between Madison and Pier Road.

Marchers will follow the traditional route down Daniel Avenue, up and around Warnerville, then back down Narragansett Avenue. The parade ends at the intersection of Narragansett and Broadway. 

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Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.