This Saturday, Nantucket Island will celebrate Independence Day with all the enthusiasm, fun, and festivity that the town can muster. Main Street will be closed to traffic from early in the morning so preparations can begin.
At 7 am, the annual Nantucket Firecracker 5K Race and Walk starts from Jetties Beach. The scenic course winds through residential areas along Beach Street and the Cliff, ending back at Jetties. Age division prizes include Kids, Youth & Seniors, Runners & Walkers through 3rd place. To register in advance, use the QR code in the display ad in this paper. Race day sign up is at 6 am at Jetties Beach.
The fun continues in the heart of town. Food trucks will be parked on Federal Street between Main and India streets starting at 8:30 am. At 9 am there will be a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at St. Paul’s Church, just a few steps from Main Street at 20 Fair Street.
At 10 am, the Nantucket High School will perform a USA 250th Drumline Parade up Main Street, followed by a Community Band Performance. Shortly after, at 11:30 am, Nantucket’s traditional Water Contest will be held between the Nantucket Fire Department and H. Flint Ranney’s opposing team and their historic pumper. Spectators are asked to keep their waterguns and water balloons at home and just enjoy the show. Take note: if you on either side of Main Street during this popular event, you will get wet!
At Children’s Beach, events begin at 10 am with musician PJ Moody performing patriotic music on the bandstand. Face painting, a magic show, music and movement for kids with Cory Morgan, and family-friendly games fill the morning. Just after 12 noon, a decorated Bike Parade will form a procession around the lawn at Children’s Beach.
You have just a few hours to dry off, have a bite to eat, pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and head back to Children’s Beach around 5 pm. There children of all ages can compete in potato sack races, 3-legged races, wheelbarrow races, and tug-o-war. After these activities, head over to Jetties Beach and stake out a spot to watch the fireworks at dusk (9 pm).
The fireworks will be shot from a barge anchored off Jetties Beach. Beginning at 6 pm. on July 4, NRTA Wave busses will take passengers to the beach every 15 minutes from Broad Street in front of the Whaling Museum. The busses will return from Jetties Beach after the fireworks up to 10:30 pm.