What is the name of the oldest continuous Independence Day parade in the US?

The Bristol Fourth of July Parade is the oldest continuous Independence Day parade in the United States.

It takes place in Bristol, Rhode Island, as part of the town’s broader Fourth of July celebration. The celebration began in 1785 with patriotic exercises organized by Reverend Henry Wight, a Revolutionary War veteran. The parade is officially known as the Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade.

Bristol’s festivities build toward July 4 and include concerts, patriotic ceremonies, community events, and marching groups. The celebration’s longevity has earned Bristol the nickname “America’s most patriotic town.” Although the event has continued for centuries, the parade itself has been canceled in some years, so “continuous” refers to the enduring annual tradition rather than an unbroken run with no interruptions.

It is easy to confuse Bristol’s parade with large modern holiday events such as the Boston Pops’ Fourth of July concert or Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Those are prominent celebrations, but they do not hold Bristol’s claim to the nation’s oldest continuing Fourth of July parade tradition.