BRIDGEWATER — Police Chief Christopher D. Delmonte, Fire Chief Michael P. MacDermott and Town Manager Michael Dutton wish to share important event and safety information as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
Bridgewater Fourth of July Events
All Fourth of July events in Bridgewater will take place on Tuesday, July 4.
Parade: A parade will take place beginning at 10 a.m. on Grove Street, by Harrington Hall at Bridgewater State University. It will proceed through side streets out onto Bedford Street (Routes 18 and 28), to Central Square, and back to Bridgewater State University on Grove Street. Many of the roads will be detoured during the parade and alternate traffic routes will be in place. Motorists are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly.
Arts and Music Festival: An Arts and Music Festival will start at 10 a.m. The festival will take place on the Bridgewater State University Quad in front of Boyden Hall, 131 Summer St. The festival will end at approximately 3 p.m.
Family Carnival and Fireworks: A Family Carnival will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 9:15 p.m. The fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. Both events will take place at Legion Field, 175 Bedford St. (Route 18 and 28). Handicap parking locations for both events will be at the parking lot beside the Water and Sewer Department building, 90 Cottage St., and the Williams Middle School parking lot, 200 South St.
For more information on the events, visit the Bridgewater MA 4th of July Facebook page, or bridgewaterma4th.com.
Celebrate Safely
It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks of all kinds in Massachusetts without a license and a permit. This includes fireworks purchased legally elsewhere and brought into Massachusetts. It includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and other fireworks. Fines range from $10 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.
According to the state Department of Fire Services and State Police, Massachusetts fire departments reported nearly 1,000 fires related to illegal fireworks between 2013 and 2022. In 2022 alone, fire departments reported 106 fires and explosions attributed to fireworks, an increase of nearly a third over the prior year.
Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to the Bridgewater Police Department at 508-697-6118. In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always call 911.
Additionally, residents are reminded of these key safety tips:
- Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
- Remember that alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
- Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
- Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. Read more here.
- Get home safely following Fourth of July celebrations:
- Be mindful of pedestrians.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home safely.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
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