A couple of years ago I was exploring areas on the East Coast and visiting friends, with the thought of relocating to somewhere new. I adore California, but I’d never tried living anywhere else, and thought I should.
Ultimately I landed in Northern Virginia, but along the way I visited many friends and places. Philadelphia, New Jersey, Upstate NY, Connecticut, Rhode Island, parts of Maryland, and finally my now-home, Virginia. (I had intended to visit other states south of here too, but this became “it”).
When I contacted my friend in Rhode Island to coordinate dates he told me I needed to be at his place in Bristol, early the morning of July 4th.
July 4th is Independence Day in the U.S. . But as I learned, in Bristol it’s different than anywhere else.
It turns out, Bristol hosted the first-ever documented Independence Day parade in 1785. That’s the year a veteran of the recently-concluded Revolutionary War (1783) conducted the first-ever Patriotic Exercises (Rev. Henry Wight).
Festivities around Bristol begin each year on Flag Day, June 14th, and have concluded (almost always) with the parade three weeks later. One way or another they have celebrated annually without fail, making it the first and longest-running yearly celebration of its kind.
You’ll see all the “usual things” at the Bristol parade. Marching bands, military, and the like.
But it’s also a bit quirky, with individuals marching in between cars, floats, and organized groups along the way. Some of the groups, etc. are unexpected, too.
But beyond the mixture of participants, what really stands out for me is the joy and connectedness of everyone there, whether spectators or participants, residents or visitors. People are overwhelmingly friendly, engaged, and connected. It’s fantastic.
For example, I’ve never seen a parade that just stops moving because participants encounter a friend along the way. And it happens a lot. The other participants behind any random stoppage might ordinarily feel “stuck” or annoyed. Here they don’t. They simply wait until the hugging or handshaking is complete, and then they move along. Happily.
If you can ever join them, you should. It’s unique among celebrations that I’ve attended, of any kind. Many people have figured this out. Rhode Island has a state population of less than 1.1 million. But roughly 200,000 people attend the parade each year.
All are welcome, however they arrive. They’ll welcome you, too.
Until next time,
Limited Edition Prints for Sale
Another channel of my photography. Oof. But as promised, I’ve got this new set of Limited Edition prints available for purchase. Any unsold African wildlife images from last fall, as promised, have been retired from circulation.
Each edition consists of ten Numbered Prints and two Artists Prints, 16x24” silver halide, with certificate of authentication. As before, these are limited both by number and duration of the offer. If you’d like one or more for that special person, don’t hesitate. You wouldn't want to become he who is lost!
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Really nice stuff - well covered
That best dressed marching individual!! :) :) Interesting fun photos!