Quick answers to questions we’ve been getting about tonight’s parade, fireworks, concert & laser light show

Over the past couple of days, Vickie and I have answered a number of questions from people calling about tonight’s festivities.  I figure that for everyone who calls there are several others who have the same question but don’t call, so here are some answers:

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO TO THE CONCERT?
NOTHING.  It’s Free.

CAN WE PARK AT THE HIGH SCHOOL?
NO.  At least not according to this article in the Gloucester Daily Times.  “Because construction crews have blocked off part of the school’s parking lot due to Newell Stadium construction …”

WHAT TIME IS THE CONCERT, PARADE, FIREWORKS, LASER LIGHT SHOW — AND WHO’S PERFORMING?
5:00 Roots 66 Kicks off the Music
6:00 Horribles Parade
7:00 Cape Ann Big Band & Runaround
9:30 Fireworks
10:00 Laser Light Show
Then dance and party under the stars and lasers ’till 11pm.  Horribles Parade Winners will be announced from the Concert Stage at some time after the fireworks.  All times (except fireworks) are approximate and may change based on the parade.  (See more details here.)

WHAT IS THE PARADE ROUTE?
Here’s an excerpt from today’s Glocuester Daily Times:
“beginning at Gloucester High School. Parade runs from GHS down Centennial Avenue, up Western Avenue to Tally’s Corner, then down Rogers Street before turning left on Manuel Lewis Street. Parade then runs up Main Street to Pleasant, up Pleasant to Prospect, and then turns left on Prospect, right onto Railroad Avenue, right onto Washington Street, and left on Centennial back to GHS.”
See the full Glocuester Daily Times article, here.

WILL THERE BE FOOD?
YES.  Vendors will be on the Boulevard and Gloucester boasts some of the best restaurants north of Boston.  See a list of Gloucester restaurants here.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE THE FIREWORKS?
That depends on how close you like to be.  For an intense fireworks-emersion experience, my favorite spot is the path that runs along the harbor at Stage Fort Park.  If you’re on the Boulevard facing west, just walk toward Stage Fort Park (see map) on the sidewalk that is as close to the water as possible and stay close to the water.  You’ll end up on a fairly dark path right under where the fireworks are shot off.  It’s loud, brilliant and awesome!

Now, if you want a more communal experience, the best place is on the Boulevard near the concert stage (see map here).  The view is perfect and you get to oohh and aahhh and cheer with lots of other fireworks fans.  Plus you’ll be in a perfect spot to catch the laser light show that immediately follows the fireworks.

Let’s have some fun tonight!

Roots 66 to open Free Boulevard Concert July 3 ~ Dance & Party from 5-11PM

Ev Harlow and his band Roots 66 have agreed to open the free concert on the Boulevard beginning at 5pm on Wednesday 7/3.  Their bluesy blend of roots, classic rock and Americana fits perfectly with the spirit of the day and will help us all get ready to celebrate our independence with music, dancing, parade, fireworks & a spectacular laser light show.

Then after the parade, and for the 6th year in a row, Carlos Menezes, Jr. will bring us music from Cape Ann Big Band and The Runaround Sound to Ringo Tarr’s Boulevard stage for a city-wide dance party by the Cut Bridge at the corner of the Boulevard and Centennial Ave (see map here).  This free concert, presented by The Gloucester Fund and gimmesound.com, is only possible because of lots of hard work and generosity on the part of Ringo, his stage/event team and the musicians — all of whom donate their time and talent.  Come down on Wednesday and show them some love!

The Runaround Sound at the BoulevardHere’s the updated schedule:
5:00 Roots 66 kicks off the music
6:00 Music breaks for Horribles Parade
7:00 Cape Ann Big Band & The Runaround Sound after the parade
9:30 Fireworks over Gloucester Harbor
10:00 Spectacular LASER LIGHT SHOW by RK Lighting Design
Then dance with Runaround under the stars & the lasers until 11 P.M!

Check online for the latest updates
Check online for the latest updates