Plan Ahead for a Nantucket July Fourth

[updated for 2017] Fourth of July weekend is just days away—the high point of the summer and the perfect time for a Nantucket getaway. If you're planning to look at Nantucket homes for sale or enjoy a Nantucket vacation rental, it's a good idea to plan ahead so you can make the most of the holiday weekend.

Below is some key information:

Sunday, July 2: Firecracker 5K

This year the Nantucket Health Club will hold the Firecracker 5K on Sunday, July 2. Note that the race start time is 7 AM, an hour earlier than in previous years. The race starts and finishes at the Nantucket Health Club, following a course to Monomoy and back. The club is asking participants to walk or bike to the race start, as parking at the club will not be available. Race parking is also not permitted on Amelia Drive, Old South Road, Ticcoma Way, or Young’s Way.

This year the best way to cheer on the runners may be to take the WAVE. The Sconset via Old South Road Route leaves from the Greenhound Stop on Washington Street and stops at Young’s Way.

Monday, July 3: Independence Celebration Fireworks

Fireworks display shot off from a barge off of Jetties Beach. If you need a ride, catch the Wave in front of the Whaling Museum on Broad Street. The bus will depart every 10-15 minutes starting at 6pm and fare is $1 each way. Rain date: Wednesday, July 5

Tuesday, July 4: Main Street Festivities & Fireworks

On Tuesday, July 4, residents and visitors can enjoy the traditional morning festivities on Main Street. The First Reveille is sounded at 9:45 AM, followed by activities that include a dunk tank, tea toss, face painting, watermelon-eating contents, a pie-eating competition, a puppet show, and bike decorating, followed by the big finish: the legendary War of the Hoses water fight between rival fire departments.

There will also be a special reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights at 9:00 AM. All are invited to sign a large copy of the delcaration following the program. Winner of a raffle climbs the town clock tower and rings the historic Portuguese bell. Call 508-228-5466 or visit unitarianchurchnantucket.org

The Games at Children’s Beach will begin at 5 PM and include three-legged, wheelbarrow, and potato-sack races followed by a tug of war. Balloon master Bobby Lamb will create balloon animals and at 6:30 PM the Nantucket Community Music Center's Jazz Band will perform on the bandstand.

For additional information on July Fourth on Nantucket, check with the Chamber of Commerce.

Contact us to learn more about Nantucket real estate and Nantucket summer rentals. We're always happy to help!

“Rose Cottage Side Door, Sconet” by MOTT is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0