Stonington-Mystic's 2017 4th Of July Fireworks, Celebration Schedule Released

STONINGTON, CT - Stonington residents are invited to come out to New London for fireworks, fun and more as part of the city's annual Sailfest celebration. The town will also hold its annual Independence Day celebration this year on the 4th of July.

Join Mystic Seaport in celebrating America’s birthday circa 1876. Enjoy an exciting morning of boat races on the river and military exercises with the “boys in blue” culminates in an old-fashioned spelling bee for children. (To sign up for Stonington/Mystic breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Picnic alongside 19th-century neighbors on the Village Green at noon and then cheer for a favorite display in the Independence Day Parade at 1 p.m. Young patriots can even craft hats to wear in their very own section of the parade.

A rousing 1876 Independence Day ceremony is followed by an elegant concert featuring the Mystic Silver Cornet Band on the Village Green.

In the afternoon, visitors can play croquet with residents of 1876 Mystic and watch live theatrical performances by the Mystic Seaport TaleMakers. Everybody can help churn ice cream and reap the delicious rewards.

Save some energy for 19th-century lawn games on the Village Green by the New England seashore; the perfect place to celebrate America’s birthday.

Sailfest runs this year from Friday, July 7, to Sunday, July 9, offering a variety of fun events and activities. The fireworks will take place Saturday, July 8, at the end of the day's events. (To sign up for Stonington/Mystic breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"End the day with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays you have ever seen light up into the night sky," according to a post on the Sailfest website.

Here is a list of events to expect during Sailfest:

Friday, July 7, Noon to 11 p.m.

Take your taste buds to New London’s Custom House Pier starting at noon on Friday to sample a gut-busting array of food from local restaurants, including Sailfest specialties like 100 percent beef fat fries and Gaspar’s Baby Back Ribs. Leave the diet behind and have a little fun on a sizzling summer Friday afternoon.

Then at 5 p.m., grab a cold one and get ready to enjoy some of the region’s best music lineups at one of two Sailfest music venues: the Hygienic Art Park Stage and the Custom House Pier Stage.

Saturday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Bring your love of all things unique and shop at the more than 200 specialty artisans and vendors that line Bank and State Street in the heart of downtown New London. Buy handmade clothing, jewelry, hats, handbags, crafts and toys.

Stop by the Hygienic Art Park Stage on Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. to see a full lineup of Latin entertainment.

Don’t forget to stop at the Custom House Pier to pick up an official Sailfest t-shirt or cool off at the beer garden and listen to some great music. All the beer proceeds help support local New London charities.

Guests can also take a day sail on the tall ship Mystic Whaler located at City Pier.

End the day with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays you have ever seen light up into the night sky during the famous Sailfest fireworks.

Sunday, July 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Start your day off at 9 a.m. with the Sailfest Charter Oak Federal Credit Union 5K Road Race. The race starts in front of The Day offices on State Street at 9 a.m.

While walking around The New London Historic Waterfront District, take a minute to take a peek around at the unique shops and restaurants New London has to offer.

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