Edgartown Police Plan Tighter Security, Parking for 4th of July

Park your car early and don't leave your cooler unattended this 4th of July: Edgartown police will be removing unclaimed property along the parade route as a security measure aimed at preventing a Boston Marathon-style attack.

The Boston Marathon bombings April 15 have spurred the Edgartown Police Department to tighten security and parking rules for the July 4th parade and fireworks. According to an announcement from the police department, The parade route will be closed to traffic at 3pm sharp. There will be no parking for any vehicles one block off the parade route and no parking signs will be clearly posted. Any vehicle within the parade route and the perimeter will be towed at the owner’s expense. Any unattended bags, coolers, and other personal belongings left along the parade route will be removed immediately by law enforcement personnel. Handicap parking for the parade will be located on Upper Main Street, adjacent to Cannonball Park.  The Police officer …

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When are the Fireworks? Events and Festivals on Martha's Vineyard, 2013

Here are the dates to mark on your calendar for Martha's Vineyard in 2013 — including the Oak Bluffs Harborfest, Edgartown 4th of July parade and fireworks, Illumination Night and the Agricultural Fair.

Fireworks Display Approved for Tonight in Edgartown

Edgartown selectmen earlier this month approved an application for a fireworks display off Fuller Street beach tonight, according to the Vineyard Gazette. The privately-funded display is to follow a wedding rehearsal dinner, the newspaper reports.

A family hosting a wedding rehearsal dinner this evening has paid a $1,500 fee to the town of Edgartown for permission to mount a private fireworks display from a barge off Fuller Street beach at 9 p.m., according to a report in the Vineyard Gazette. The family is required to post a guard at the beach to guide spectators away from nearby bird-nesting areas, the Gazette reports. Lighthouse Beach will be accessible.  The National Weather Service is predicting cloudy but clearing skies tonight. Click here for the dates of upcoming municipal fireworks displays on Martha's Vineyard. Are your Martha's Vineyard events posted in our calendar? Don't miss the chance to reach thousands of readers on our home page and through our daily newsletter: …

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Louisa Hufstader

9:27 pm on Friday, June 14, 2013

Thanks for the tip, Rosa - I'm hearing it was too rough earlier today for the barge to make it over.   more ›

When are the Fireworks? And Other 2013 Events on Martha's Vineyard

Updated June 16: Here are the dates to mark on your calendar for Martha's Vineyard in 2013 — including the Oak Bluffs Harborfest, Edgartown 4th of July parade and fireworks, Illumination Night and the Agricultural Fair.

What's happening on Martha's Vineyard in 2013? Plenty! Here's a round-up of dates to remember for the months ahead. If you have something we should add, please tell us in the comments and remember that our you're always welcome to post events in our calendar for free at marthasvineyard.patch.com/events/new. Is there something we missed or got wrong? Do you have an event to add? Leave a comment below, and make sure you've posted your event in our calendar for all to see. It's a free service and Facebook login is available. Stay Patched in all year long! Follow Martha's Vineyard Patch on Twitter | Like Martha's Vineyard Patch on Facebook | Sign up for the daily email with links to the latest news | Got something to say? Start a blog and …

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Louisa Hufstader

1:51 pm on Sunday, June 16, 2013

Thanks, Hellie, I added it. I also received an anonymous email saying the wind festival is Oct. 12 this year and not in August. Does anybody know more about this?   more ›

2013 Events on Martha's Vineyard

When is Illumination Night? The Fair? Parades? Fireworks? Bass Derby? Here's where to find all the important dates for 2013 events on Martha's Vineyard.

Fireworks Safety Tips for This 4th of July

A few ways to safely enjoy fireworks this Fourth of July.

For many, the Fourth of July and fireworks go hand-in-hand. However, each year, fire officials warn that, when amateurs and explosives are involved, Fourth of July fireworks very easily leave someone handless – or worse. According to Anthony Piland, Physician Assistant in the Emergency Room of the Martha's Vineyard Hospital, "A major concern is fireworks burns. This is a common injury seen in the ER despite fireworks being illegal in Massachusetts. So we really discourage any use of fireworks unless you are a licensed professional." According to data on a report titled “Leave Fireworks to Pros,” from 2002 to 2011, there were 804 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported in Massachusetts, which caused one …

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Oak Bluffs Summer Solstice and Fireworks

Oak Bluffs kicked off the summer with Harbor Fest on Saturday

On Saturday Oak Bluffs held its 7th annual Summer Solstice. Circuit Ave was blocked to traffic so restaurants could provide outdoor seating. Bands played on stage and on the sidewalk. Later that night community members watched fireworks at the harbor.

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Arrive Early for Independence Day Festivities

Edgartown will host a Fourth of July barbecue, parade and fireworks on Monday.

There’s no better way to celebrate America’s freedom than with barbecue, a parade and fireworks—all of which will take place on Monday, July 4 in Edgartown. But get there early, police warn. Festivities extend from 4 p.m. until the late evening, meaning many already-crowded streets in Edgartown will be packed to capacity. Many roads also will be temporarily closed during the parade. Edgartown’s Fourth of July festivities begin at 4 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church, where the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust is hosting a barbecue. Food will be sold a la carte. Marching bands will be on hand to entertain parade-goers as they wait for the start of the procession. The annual Fourth of July parade will begin at 5 p.m. The parade will feature …

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