I know my posts have been running "behind the times" lately, but my limited time on the computer is to blame. It's not always because I can't simply post things in a more timely manner, but it's usually well after some dates that I actually get to upload pictures to the computer. And, without having more than a few minutes sometimes for writing anything, I must rely on using picture blogs more than on any other kind. So, this should explain why I am only now getting to a post that pertains to a time period from before the 4th of July holiday. It's the time frame locally known as the 4th of July Season or the 4th of July Warm-Up, and it runs from Flag Day (June 14) through the afternoon of July 3.



Flag Day kicks off our 4th of July season. There are speakers who address the crowd with appropriate messages and information about the meaning of the day, the flag, and other related subjects. The crowd gathers around the bandstand where the speakers are located, uniformed military personnel are seated among the spectators, numerous flag displays are set up around the grounds, the Bristol Train of Artillery fires their cannon in a not-too-distant area of the Town Common, choruses sing, and the ceremonies end with the raising of the giant flag on the town's tallest flagpole, which is located right here at the Common.

The weather was not cooperative throughout the "season", as you can see by the above picture and the ones to follow. This put a damper on many events, caused many people to refrain from attending some events, and lessened the generally time filled with excitement and fun. Because of the weather, our almost equally uncooperative work schedules, and a bit less of an interest in some of this year's entertainment offerings, we didn't get to see much of this year's festivities.



We did do some walking around town, but those walks usually took place during times when no events were scheduled. So, instead of being in an audience at a show of some kind, we were observers of some of our surroundings. Those sights included plenty of patriotic reminders, even in small simple ways, such as in the picture above.



The banners were placed throughout the town.



And so were posters advertising the carnival.



This, the Rockwell School, faces the Town Common and the old Court House, which also served as a RI State House at one time. The reviewing stand for the parade will be set up in front of this school, and here will sit the many dignitaries as the parade passes in review.



The carnival did pull into town right on schedule, was set up right on schedule, but the weather prevented it from running on it's full schedule.

Well, it must be said that this is the first time in my entire lifetime that the entire pre-4th season was cold, gray, damp, muddy, and gloomy. I am happy that I got to venture out at least a little bit, even if I only got to see a glimpse of some of the things about town. After all, it wasn't so great to be out for long periods of time, anyway.



I did manage to keep a smile on my face, though. We had now reached July 2, it was only drizzling and the temps had gotten up into the 50 degree range, so, maybe, this was a sign that things were improving?