July 4 Celebration & Fireworks Return in Bellingham
The fireworks are on for Bellingham’s Independence Day celebration on July 4th at Bellingham Memorial Middle School.
Municipal Spotlight
By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Staff Writer
After a six-year absence, fireworks, concert bands and a variety of food-and-beverage choices will reemerge to highlight fun-filled, family activities at Bellingham’s July 4 celebration of the nation’s 249th birthday.
All the activities will be at the Middle School Fields. The concession stand and various booths will open at 6 p.m. with music provided. Fireworks will start at 9:30 and conclude at 9:55 p.m.
Bellingham conducted July 4 activities from 1996 to 2018. The holiday, however, took a back seat in 2019, when the town celebrated the 300th anniversary of Bellingham. The COVID-19 pandemic ended the town’s July 4 activities in 2020 and 2021, and from 2022-2024 Bellingham Days, a three-day fair with fireworks, replaced July 4.
“July 4 with fireworks is something families grew up with and enjoyed celebrating the nation’s birthday,’’ Acting Town Administrator Denis Fraine said.
“Interest in the event has never been greater, and we’re happy to bring back the tradition.’’
Fraine, who’s been Bellingham’s Town Administrator for 37½ years, emphasized that the Select Board advocated for a return to a July 4 celebration. And, the public also played a major role in the comeback. “The public at large questioned its absence, and many residents wanted it back,’’ Fraine said. “We got lots of phone calls about having July 4 activities.’’
The bands that will be performing are “Belling Hammered,” which is a Bellingham originated band that will play at 6 p.m., followed by “Pieces of Eight.”
The Bellingham High Friends of Music will be running the concession stand, and the booths, which also will offer food choices, will include the town’s non-profit and youth groups, the VFW and several sports organizations. “The VFW will feature and ice cream truck and stops at the sports groups’ booths will help with fund-raising efforts,’’ Fraine said.
Fireworks will be visible for 25 minutes and will be conducted by Ocean State Pyrotechnics of Rhode Island. “Bellingham is the only community in the local area to provide fireworks on July 4,’’ Fraine noted.
Police, fire and DPW personnel will be on site to monitor and provide assistance if necessary. Restrictions include no smoking and no alcoholic beverages.
Residents and out-of-town visitors can park at the Middle School and High School parking lots. On-street parking will be limited on Blackstone Street and prohibited on Route 126.
“Those attending are encouraged to arrive early and to exercise patience at the conclusion of the event,’’ Fraine advised. “The anticipated volume of people all trying to leave at the same time presents some difficulty. Our biggest challenge is getting people situated (parked) and getting them home safely.’’
A committee coordinated plans for the celebration. The trio includes Chris Remillard (Housing Authority), Jen Altomonte (Select Board and School Committee), and Fraine.
July 4 celebrations in Bellingham had a 22-year run, then went dormant because of a variety of circumstances. Now that the event is back, complete with fireworks, after a six-year hiatus, Fraine said, “It will be difficult to not continue with the town’s July 4 celebrations.
“Next year is our country’s 250th birthday on July 4,’’ he continued. “Our community again will be able to celebrate our independence on July 4, 2026 with fireworks and other activities.’’
Memorable traditions seem to have a knack for making return engagements.
