
Celebrate Independence Day in New Hampshire with these awesome fireworks, festivals, and more.
In New Hampshire, we are all about the fireworks — on and around the Fourth of July. Most of us throw our folding chairs and blankets in the car and head to our town’s annual pyrotechnics. But this could be the year you throw something new into the mix.
Here are a few suggestions for keeping up the time-honored tradition of Fourth of July fireworks (and perhaps changing up the experience a bit, too!).
1. Fireworks Show in Waterville Valley
Waterville Valley will hold its annual Fireworks Show in the Town Square on July 4 from 9:30 – 10:30 p.m. If you like your fireworks set against stunning scenery this is the place to be — with mountain peaks as backdrop and reflections of sparkling pyrotechnics mirrored in Corcoran Pond. Get to town by 11 a.m., and you can watch or walk in the Waterville Valley Independence Day Parade where there’s a float decoration competition.
2. Fireworks Spectacular in Salem
On July 3, Tuscan Village (19 Via Toscana) in Salem will host a Fireworks Spectacular starting at 4 p.m. If you love an all-day celebration, this is the Independence Day event with food trucks rolled out at 4 p.m., live music at 6 p.m., and fireworks set off at 9 p.m.
3. Independence Festival in Exeter
The 34th American Independence Festival on July 13 at Swasey Parkway in Exeter has fireworks and so much more, especially if you’re a history lover. The city was the colonial capital of the state during the Revolutionary War and is celebrating the 248th anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to Exeter with free events that run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Those include a display and reading of the original copy of the declaration, colonial games, dance, music, Revolutionary War re-enactments and camp-life demonstrations, an artisan village, a beer garden, and appearances by historical characters. A concert by The Coastals begins at 6 p.m. with fireworks following.
4. 4th of July Celebration in Gorham
Gorham 4th of July Celebration in the Town Common (Railroad St.) claims to be the longest-running Independence Day Celebration in the state. It includes a carnival; which opens at noon ($25 for all rides); live music; karaoke; a parade that starts at 2 p.m.; and fireworks at 10 p.m.
5. Hampton Beach 4th of July Special Fireworks
Hampton Beach 4th of July Special Fireworks will take place at the top of B and C Streets at 9:30 p.m. in Hampton.
If you like your fireworks reflected in the cool, blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean, head to the beach this Fourth of July. Weekly pyrotechnics are a regular event throughout the summer, but the state park goes all out with a special, spectacular display on Independence Day. Admission is free. It’s best to check the beach’s Facebook page, on the day of the event to see if the weather will affect the display.
If you prefer to view the display from the water, Granite State Whale Watch, in Rye Harbor, is offering a special family-friendly Islands and Fireworks boat ride. That begins at 7 p.m. with a sunset trip to the Isles of Shoals followed by a cruise to Hampton Beach to watch the fireworks. The cruise is $38 for adults, $32 for seniors (60 and over), children 4-15 – $27, and 4 and under are free.
6. “Red, White, and Boom” in Ashland
Ashland will hold its 63rd annual Independence Day Celebration at the LW Packard Ball Field in Ashland with the theme “Red, White, and Boom,” on July 3. The event includes fireworks, a food truck festival, and a concert, with festivities starting at 4 p.m. and ending with fireworks at 9:30. The day’s activities will also include a bounce house, rock wall, bungee jumping, and games.
Chris White, the Beagles, and Red Daisy Revival will perform in the park throughout the day. If you happen to stay overnight, there will be a pancake breakfast on July 4 from 7 – 10 a.m. at the Common Man Ashland, 60 Main St., with a parade at 10 a.m.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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