Photo: Old Glory, Belmont
Friday, July 4, the country observes Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 (The document was signed on July 2nd).
Massachusetts’ own John Adams, who signed the Declaration and was the nation’s second president, said the Fourth should be celebrated the day with “Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” Adams died on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the document’s adoption, on the same day as the declaration’s chief author, Thomas Jefferson, the third president.
Here is what’s closed and open on the 4th of July.
Closed on the 4th
- Belmont Town Hall, the public library at the Beech Street Center and Benton Library, and town offices.
- State and Federal government offices.
- US Postal Service: Both Belmont post offices are closed; express delivery only.
- Banks.
Opened
- The Underwood Pool: Open to members and those purchasing day passes.
- Retail stores: Open at owner’s discretion
- Supermarkets: Star Market on Trapelo Road in Waverley Square is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., but the pharmacy will be closed.
- Coffee shops: Starbucks and Dunkin’s on Trapelo Road will operate regular hours. The Dunks on Pleasant and Church will also be open.
- CVS: 89 Leonard St. (Belmont Center) Store 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Pharmacy 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- CVS: 264 Trapelo St. Store 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Pharmacy 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For those who will be traveling using public transportation, the MBTA is running on the following schedule:
- Subway will run on a modified Saturday schedule until 3 p.m. After 3 p.m., the subway will run on a weekday schedule.
- Bus and the RIDE will run on a Sunday schedule.
- Commuter Rail will run on a weekend schedule. After 8:30 p.m., bikes will not be allowed on board on trains. The last train from Boston’s North Station on the Wachusett route, which serves Belmont and Waverley commuter stops, will depart at 11:40 p.m.
- There is no fare after 9:30 p.m. on all lines.
Riders are encouraged to purchase the $10 Holiday Weekend Pass for unlimited travel, July 4 – July 6.
Where to see fireworks celebrations near-ish to Belmont:
- Arlington: Robbins Farm Park on Eastern Avenue just over Route 2. There will be music, and refreshments, with the Boston Pops Orchestra and fireworks on a giant screen. Starts at 6 p.m.
- Boston/Cambridge: along the Charles River at the Esplanade, 10:30 p.m. A great option: Use the Paul Dudley White Charles River Bike Path along the Charles to get to Boston. A great option for viewing the fireworks is the BU Bridge which remains open all night.
- Newton: Albemarle Field/Halloran Sports Complex. Carnival rides, food trucks, and a crafts fair starts at 1 p.m. with fireworks at 9:10 p.m.