Salem Sets July 4 Fireworks, Road Closures, Security Plan At Derby Wharf

SALEM, MA — Several Salem streets will be closed or have parking restrictions on Saturday for the annual Salem Celebrates the Fourth event.

Derby Wharf festivities start around 3:30 p.m. Children’s activities are scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Hilliard Orchestra will begin at 7:15 p.m., and fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:15 p.m. on the Wharf.

• Salem Celebrates The 4th At Derby Wharf To Include Fireworks, Music, Bike Parade

Derby Street will be closed from Congress Street to Daniel Street from about 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Additional road closures are planned from 4:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Derby Street from Congress Street to Daniels Street, and on Orange Street and Curtis Street at Essex Street.

"To ensure a safe and fun celebration, the Salem Police Department will have enhanced security in place on July 4," Salem police said.

Guests are asked to carry items in clear plastic bags and be prepared for possible bag checks by uniformed officers.

Officers will be moving throughout the area during the evening, and a public safety tent will be marked on site. Concerns can also be called in to Salem Police at 978-744-1212.

Police will monitor access points into the Derby Wharf area through the afternoon and evening, and visitors are asked to allow extra time to reach the event.

Attendees are warned not to bring fireworks. Any fireworks found will be confiscated with those possessing them subject to fines up to $1,000.

Parking restrictions will begin earlier in the day. There will be no parking on Derby Street from Herbert Street to Daniels Street, on Orange Street, and on part of Herbert Street from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

No parking will also be allowed on Derby Street from Congress Street to Herbert Street from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Vehicles left in restricted areas will be towed, according to the notice.

The city is urging people to avoid driving to Derby Wharf and instead use downtown lots, Museum Place Garage on New Liberty Street, South Harbor Garage on Congress Street, overflow parking at Prime Group Shetland Park on Congress Street, the commuter rail or the Salem Ferry.

Limited handicap-accessible parking will be available at Derby Wharf and in the Immaculate Conception parking lot on Hawthorne Boulevard on a first-come, first-served basis.

A mobility-impaired and wheelchair-accessible seating section will be reserved at the beginning of Derby Wharf.

Recreational boaters will also face restrictions near Derby Wharf, the channel in Salem Harbor and the South River for much of the evening.