Your Guide to the 4th

The Independence Day celebration has been on for days in Bristol, all leading up to Wednesday night festivities and Thursday's main event, when thousands of visitors will flood the town to claim their spot for the oldest 4th of July parade in America.

The day begins with Patriotic exercises outside the Colt School on Hope Street at 8:30 a.m., before the parade steps off at 10:30. It begins at the corner of Chestnut and Hope streets and will wind its way down Hope Street, through downtown and past Bristol Harbor before making a sharp left turn onto High Street, ending between State and Bradford streets.

There is sure to be a huge crowd for the event that draws several thousands of visitors from around the country. To ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment of the celebration, the Fourth of July Committee is asking spectators to observe the following regulations:

• Blankets and chairs may not be set up along the parade route before 5 a.m. 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 in any way with any object.
• 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 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 unless a license has been obtained from the Fourth of July Committee.

• Bring cold drinks, hats and sunscreen.
• Shady areas can be the best protection against sun and heat.
• Games and books to occupy your children before the parade begins is a good idea.
• Pets should be left at home.
• First Aid will be available from emergency medical crews stationed along the parade route.
• A viewing section for people with disabilities will be set up at the corner of Hope and Court streets, across from the Harriet Bradford Motor Inn. Handicap parking will be available across from the Town Hall on Court Street.
• Bleacher seats across from the Reviewing Stand will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are lots open to the public at the corner of Hope and Gooding streets, but once those are full, you're on your own. Street parking is available throughout the town. It just might require a lengthy walk to the parade route. The Fourth of July Committee advises drivers to avoid Mt. Hope High School, as the parade forms there are participants will be parking there. If you are parking on residential streets, be sure to avoid blocking driveways. Police will ticket.

Various surrounding streets will be closed off beginning at 8:00 a.m., including Poppasquash Road. Chestnut Street, Naomi Street and Sherry Avenue will be close to traffic at 7:00 a.m.. A parking ban along the parade route goes into effect the night before the parade.

Where do you watch?

What is your favorite spot to watch the parade? Let us know in the comments section below.