4th of July parade celebrates 227 years

BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) - Each year Rhode Islanders look forward to Bristol's annual Fourth of July Parade, America's oldest Independence Day celebration.

From bands to floats, and even this year's Miss USA Olivia Culpo of Cranston, this is so much to see in the 227th parade.

Miss and Little Miss Fourth of July, Alexandra Absi and Samantha Martins, will also be at the parade.

The Fourth of July Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. and will step-off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street.

Hope Street will be closed off beginning at 8:00 a.m., including Poppasquash Road.

• Related: Map of parade route

Tony Teixeira, Chief Marshal for the Fourth of July celebration suggests spectators get to the parade early, as it draws a huge crowd. He said people should drive in to Bristol anytime from 7 a.m. on, looking for parking spots anywhere they can find them.

Teixeira said another option is for spectators to ride their bicycles.

About Alexandra Absi:

On Saturday, May 19, more than 400 people gathered in the Mt. Hope High School Auditorium to celebrate the 64th Annual Miss Fourth of July and the 16th Annual Little Miss Fourth of July pageant.

Alexandra is 18 years old and is the daughter of Michael and Kimberly Teves. She is in her senior year at Mt. Hope High School. Alexandra will attend the University of Rhode Island this fall, majoring in communications.

About Samantha Martins:

Samantha is 9 years old and is the daughter of Archie and Michele Martins. She and 14 others competed for the title of Little Miss Fourth of July. She enjoys dancing, singing, theater activities and working at her lemonade stand.

Online: http://www.july4thbristolri.com/home.htm