Sandwich, MA was founded in 1637, so the village we call home existed for 138 years prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence! Sandwich was celebrating “the new world” long before this country had the name of these United States. Sandwich really knows how to make a splash on the 4thof July!
July 4thfalls on Wednesday this year. Because it’s midweek, you can stretch your holiday getaway before or after the 4th. But you need to be here in Sandwich for our red, white and blue celebration of America’s Independence!
Stay at Isaiah Jones Homestead on July 3rd, linger over a wonderful breakfast, then just hang-out at the B&B because the Spirit of Sandwich Parade passes by right in front of the B&B! It starts at 10:00am. Wave the flag and enjoy the floats, walking groups, decorated vehicles, and kids’ decorated bikes. Floats will be judged in four different categories: Best overall, Most Patriotic, My Hometown, and Most Creative. Check if your favorite float won a prize by listening to WQRC 99.9. 
If you wish to run in the Road Race on Independence Day, you will need to awaken early and make your way to the Henry T. Wing School to register for the race between 7:00am and 8:15am. The 5K Fun Run starts promptly at 8:30am and winds it way around Shawme Pond and Upper Shawme Pond until it returns to the starting point.
After the parade, the activities continue for everyone at Henry T. Wing School where we will have the traditional, old fashion Egg Toss! NEW this year – Knucklebones will be providing all kinds of field games for everyone to enjoy. Come out for some friendly competition with your neighbors and friends. Then at 2:00pm, watch the Fireman’s Muster –sponsored by the Sandwich Fire Department (of course!). If you brought a picnic lunch, have a seat and enjoy the music of Brian Sances Band.
Later in the evening, the celebration moves to Shawme Pond. At 7:30pm, there will be a band concert with “oldies but goodies” music provided by Dale and the Duds. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair so that you have great seating for the concert AND for the Boat Parade. This event adds a great light show to the concert when small boats and canoes decorated with paper lanterns and lit with candles parade by the band shell. This special waterborne parade has been a tradition in Sandwich since the late 1800’s. The lights reflecting off the water make it a double show! This is an event you won’t want to miss!
Sandwich ends the special day with a BANG! The Fireworks display will also happen at Shawame Pond, behind Town Hall at about 10:00pm.
The 4thof July Celebration in Sandwich, MA is a family-friendly, homespun event. Our old town, the residents who live here, and the visitors who come make this the BEST of small-town USA! Make your reservation now to be a part of it!