Celebrate Independence Day in Central Mass – 2012

Celebrating Independence Day in the Central Mass and Worcester areas don’t just include July 4th this year.  The Worcester Tornadoes are holding a series of Fireworks Fridays in July and August.  They of course are tied in to home games so this week is out but the great news is that you will be able to “celebrate” all summer.

Fireworks always seem to symbolize American Independence Day to me so if you don’t get a chance to catch those that are scheduled today as part of Worcester’s annual Independence Day activities it is definitely worth checking out the Worcester Tornadoes Fireworks Friday schedule for the summer.

The 2 main Independence Day celebrations that we will highlight today are the annual Worcester Fireworks and Concert and the Old Sturbridge Village Fireworks displays that happen tonight, July 3rd.  You can also return to Sturbridge Village tomorrow to continue the celebration since they offer a full day of Patriotic activities that are great for families.  Here are the highlights of tonights event per their website:

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

19th-century magic with Robert Olson

Comedic juggling

Concert on the Common with the Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band

Games and contests, including pie-eating, sack races, and quoits (similar to horseshoes, popular in early New England)

Food, beverage and souvenir tents – including beer and wine

And of course, FIREWORKS!

Worcester’s Fireworks Celebration also includes the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra.  They have a few free summer concerts that they put on including this one.  The event will be held at Christoforo Columbo park on Shrewsbury Street with activities starting off at 6pm.  According to the Worcester Chamber of Commerce (a sponsor of the event) the schedule is a follows:

6:00 pm – Park opens – Kid’s Korner
7:30 pm – Festivities will begin with a flag raising ceremony
8:00 pm – Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra performs
9:30 pm – Fireworks Display

As of right now the weather seems to be on track to cooperate though given the weather lately being prepared for an errant thunderstorm might not be a bad idea.

For other Independence Activities and events in the Central Mass area the Worcester Telegram attempts to gather as much information about the Central Massachusetts towns that hold events.  I have found that sometimes it is hit and miss.  Going directly to the town website like the Town of Shrewsbury for example gets you the best information.

Keep safe and enjoy celebrating the birth of the United States!  If you are really lucky you may have a super long weekend too.