Celebrating the Fourth of July in Vermont in 2020
June 28, 2020

The Fourth of July in Vermont won’t feel quite the same this year. Independence Day parades and town celebrations are mostly canceled, and offerings for fireworks are limited.

Still, a handful of towns around the state are offering socially distant festivities, including a reverse parade, drive-in fireworks, town-wide decorations, and a drive-thru chicken barbecue. Here’s a look at some events happening for the Fourth of July in Vermont.

Quin-Town 4^th of July Reverse Parade on Routes 100 and 125

 When: July 3-5
Where: Route 100 in Stockbridge, Pittsfield, Rochester, Granville, Hancock; Route 125 in Hancock
What You Need to Know: Residents in the towns of Stockbridge, Pittsfield, Rochester, Granville, and Hancock are being encouraged to decorate or create displays in their yards, at their businesses, and at local public spaces for the Quin-Town 4^thof July Reverse Parade. A reverse parade is just what it sounds like: the “floats” (in this case, the decorated homes/businesses/public spaces) will stand still while the spectators travel by. The decorations can be enjoyed by anyone driving by on Route 100 or Route 125.
For more information:Visit the Hancock Recreation Committee Facebook page.

Fairlee Fire Brigade Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ

When: July 4 at noon
Where: Fairlee Town Common
What You Need to Know: Chicken only; no sides. Also, decorate your home or vehicle and post a photo on the Orford-Fairlee Parade Facebook page.
For more information: Call the Fairlee Town Offices at 802-333-4363.

Fireworks in Newport

When: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Gardner Memorial Park
What You Need to Know: Park and watch from Gardner Park or the waterfront plaza. Spectators are welcome to watch the fireworks outside of their vehicles as long as they practice socially distancing.
For more information:Visit www.newportrecreation.org.

Fireworks at Killington Resort

When: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Fireworks will be displayed from Snowshed Slope
What You Need to Know: Cars will travel along Killington Road and be parked by attendants to keep 10 feet between each car. Guests may stay in their cars and trucks to watch the show, or they may bring a chair to place within arm’s length of their vehicle. Parking will open at 8 p.m. Presented by The Town of Killington.
For more information: Visit www.killington.com.

Fireworks at Burke Mountain

When: July 3 at dusk
Where: Sherburne Base Lodge at Burke Mountain in East Burke
What: Cars will be parked according to the Be Smart, Stay Safe Vermont initiatives. Although visitors are encouraged to remain in their cars, lawn chairs and blankets will be allowed next to vehicles. The parking lot opens at 7 p.m., and spaces will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information: Visit www.skiburke.com.

Fireworks at Sugarbush

When: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Peak at Sugarbush Resort in Warren
What You Need to Know: Sugarbush is setting up an online registration system on its website. Guests will need to reserve their parking space on a first-come, first-serve basis. In collaboration with the Mad River Valley Community Fund, a local non-profit designed to assist local Mad River Valley residents, the resort asks guests for a suggested donation of $20 per car. Win Smith’s Family Foundation will match all gifts up to $10,000. Guests will need to furnish a printed copy of their receipt or be able to display it on their mobile phone to gain access to the event.
For more information: Visit www.sugarbush.com.

Brownsville Independence Day Celebration and Contest

When: July 3-5
Where: Brownsville
What You Need to Know: The Brownsville Independence Day Celebration volunteers and the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Department will decorate the center of town. They also hope displays of red, white, and blue will be celebrated on every road Brownsville/West Windsor. Suggestions include posters, banners, and streamers as well as American Flags on mailboxes, barns, fences, homes, and businesses. Maps will be available, and five $25 gift card prizes will be awarded to individuals who find the greatest number of decorated locations and mark them on their maps.
For more information: Visit the Brownsville Independence Day Celebration Facebook page.

What are you plans for the Fourth of July in Vermont this year?