Bristol July 4 event is cancelled

ADDISON COUNTY — With the coronavirus pandemic still dragging on, organizers of three big annual parades have decided to call them off again his year. American Legions in Vergennes and Middlebury have canceled their respective Memorial Day parades. Then word came this week the the Bristol 4th of July Celebration is called off, too. “The 4th of July Committee in Bristol has voted to cancel the fireworks and parade festivities again this year due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation,” committee member … (read more)

Diehards refuse to shut door on outhouse race

BRISTOL — Typically the Great Bristol Outhouse Race is the Grand Prix of portable potties. For good reason the Bristol Fourth of July Committee bills its annual Independence Day event as the World Championship of the competition. That reason is for 43 con … (read more)

No usual plans for unusual July 4

2020 will not see a typical Fourth of July. Thanks, coronavirus. Public fireworks displays in Vergennes, Bristol and Brandon have all been called off to ensure that crowds don’t gather and potentially spread COVID-19. Likewise the street dance in Brandon … (read more)

Bristol Fourth of July parade officially called off

BRISTOL — It’s official — Bristol’s wonderful Fourth of July parade and fireworks will not be held. The Bristol Fourth of July Committee was scheduled to meet Wednesday evening and, as reported by the Independent, the group decided to cancel this year’s e … (read more)

Ways of Seeing: Reflections on the 4th of July

“We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and to the future.” Frederick Douglass said that in a speech he delivered on July 5, 1852, in Rochester, N.Y. As a historian, I think a lot about the past. I am trained to study it, … (read more)

Ways of Seeing: July 4 response gave hope

I remember how, for so many years, I was desperate to “do something” on the 4th of July, mainly to escape from New York City, where the ever-putrescent smell of summer in the city rises from baking black asphalt, the heat and smell shimmering together in … (read more)

July 4 celebrations set for this week

ADDISON COUNTY & BRANDON — This is the week for booming fireworks, riveting parades, mouthwatering treats and inspiring displays of red, white and blue. The Land of Milk and Honey will be awash in Fourth of July sights, sounds and activities — enough that … (read more)

Consider dog safety on July 4

Now that summer is here, the Fourth of July is right around the corner. While this is generally a favorite holiday for people, it can be very stressful and dangerous for pets. Firework shows, barbeques, and high temperatures can all pose issues for our co … (read more)

Editorial: Honoring the Fourth of July

As we approach the nation’s Fourth of July celebration this year, it’s worth noting the reason: the 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain, to escape what they considered the heavy hand of the British empire. In the ensuing struggle to … (read more)

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