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Thursday, May 24, 2012

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Getting Festive For the Fourth: Inspiration from America’s Oldest Patriotic Party

July 4th

The Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, RI—the oldest in the nation

Patriotic preparations have reached a fever pitch in Bristol, Rhode Island, home of America’s oldest Fourth of July parade. The bunting is up on porches across town, flags are waving from too many posts to count and even the streets have been striped in their brand-new, 2011 red, white and blue traffic lines. The sleepy, seaside community is busy putting on its best face for the one day a year when it becomes the center of all of New England. The Fourth is Bristol’s version of Mardi Gras—the town's true “Christmas in July.”

Fourth of July Parade

“If you are a Bristolian, you would never think of being anywhere but here on the Fourth of July,” says this year’s parade Chief Marshall Betty Brito (who will march side-by-side with her husband and co-Chief Marshall Joe). Her favorite part of the celebration is the huge flurry of festivity leading up to the big event. “I love the early morning hours on the Fourth of July,” she says. “From dawn on, people crowd into town to find a patch of grass to place blankets and chairs in preparation for the parade.”

And if you think residents would wake before sunrise without immediately donning their red, white and blue, think again. While many return to the same tried-and-true decorations year after year, others shop for stars and stripes all year long in order to meet the demands of events like the parade, the Chief Marshall’s reception and the famous Fourth of July Ball.

July 4th

Of course, you don’t need to live in Bristol (or even within driving distance) to get inspired by the incredible American spirit this town has to offer. Admittedly, it's a bit late this year—but if you've resolved to pump up your patriotism for the next go-round, you can start here. We've collected the best Fourth of July-themed items on eBay (where not surprisingly, sales for items with the term "July 4th" are up 120 percent in the past month vs. the prior period) to help you bring some good ol’ U.S.A. pride to your very own hometown. Here you'll find suggestions for the Uncle Sams, the Betsy Rosses, True Blue Tikes and the Patriotic Pooch, along with loads of Fun Fourth Furnishings and Americana accessories.

(photos provided by Edward C. Strong)

Gettng Festive for the Fourth on eBay

Roll over items for details
Guitar Glasses Patriotic Glasses
(buy it now price, $8.95)
18” Happy 4th of July Star Mylar Balloon
(buy it now price, $0.99)
Fourth of July Cupcake Salad Pic
(buy it now price, $2)
Deluxe Uncle Sam Fourth of July
(buy it now price, $56.88)
New Polo Red White & Blue Cologne
(buy it now price, $73.99)
American Flag Hat Rings
(buy it now price, $7)
Lot of Red White Blue Mardi Gras Beads
(buy it now price, $40.99)
USA Patriotic Mini Beach Balls
(buy it now price, $5.91)
Getting Festive For the Fourth: Inspiration from America’s Oldest Patriotic Party

 

 

 

 

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