Photo: John Trumbull’s painting, Declaration of Independence, depicting the five-man drafting committee of the Declaration of Independence presenting their work to the Congress.

Saturday, July 4, the country observes the 250th anniversary (that would be the semiquincentennial) 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.” 

Saturday also marks the 200th anniversary of Adams died on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the document’s adoption. It also marks the bicentennial of the death of the declaration’s chief author, Thomas Jefferson, the third president.

Here is what’s closed and open on the 4th of July.

Open on July 3rd

• Massachusetts state government offices and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Unlike federal employees, the state does not observe Saturday holidays on the preceding Friday, so normal weekday state operations proceed.

Closed on July 3rd

• Belmont Town Hall, the public library, Benton Library, and town offices.
• Federal government offices.
• US Postal Service: Both Belmont post offices are open.

Open on the the 4th of July

• 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 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed on the 4th of July

• USPS offices in Belmont.

For those who will be traveling using public transportation, the MBTA is running on the following schedule on the 3rd and the 4th

• 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 Fitchburg line, which serves Belmont and Waverley commuter stops, will depart at 11:40 p.m.
• There is no fare after 8:30 p.m. on all lines.

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. Fireworks starting at 9:40 p.m.
• Boston/Cambridge: along the Charles River at the Esplanade, 10 p.m. A great option: Use the Paul Dudley White Charles River Bike Path along the Charles to Boston. A great option for viewing the fireworks is the BU Bridge which remains open all night.
• Newton: Albemarle Field/Halloran Sports Complex. The festivities feature a carnival with rides, food trucks, a craft fair, and live music, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.