Patriotism, parades and more planned for Fourth of July

Residents will celebrate the nation's birthday on July 4 with a boat blessing, bike parades, an antique fair, a musket salute from the Wareham Minutemen and Militia and more.  

The Wareham Historical Society kicks off Independence Day with its 48th Antique Faire from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Village Green and Methodist Meeting House. Admission to the faire includes a tour of Wareham's historic Fearing Tavern. 

Over in Onset, the Onset Bay Association's annual Blessing of the Fleet returns at 10 a.m. at Onset Pier. Boaters often dress up in costumes and decorate their boats for the Fourth of July holiday creating a bit of a boat parade. 

The watery event will be followed by the Onset Bay Association's bicycle, pet and doll carriage parade.

Here's a rundown on what's being prepared:

Antique Faire. According to Historical Society Director Angela Dunham, admission is $5 and includes entrance to the faire and a tour of Wareham's Fearing Tavern. Twenty to 30 antique dealers will be selling "anything from furnishings to jewelry," according to Dunham. 

Alongside antiques being sold, Frank McNamee, owner of Marion Antique Auctions, will be doing evaluations and appraisals. Money raised at his table will be donated back to the Wareham Historical Society. 

The antique fair will be making several nods to the country's history.

Dunham said Robert Blair, chair of the Wareham Historic District Commission, will be speaking about the Declaration of Independence. Wareham Minutemen and Militia will also be attending around noontime, according to Dunham, when they will be firing a volley in honor of holiday. 

Blessing of the Fleet. Over in Onset, the Onset Bay Association's annual Blessing of the Fleet returns at 10 a.m. at Onset Pier. The traditional ceremony brings a minister to bless boats for the protection of each ship and its crew. Boaters often dress up in costumes and decorate their boats for the Fourth of July holiday. 

After the blessing, the association will host a bicycle, pet and doll carriage parade. It is free to register. If it rains, the blessing and parade will happen on Sunday, July 5. 

The Onset parade is not Wareham's only July 4 procession. 

Swifts Beach Parade. The Swifts Beach Improvement Association will host its annual Fourth of July parade at at 10 a.m. leaving from its clubhouse at 38 Pleasant St. Attendees are invited to dress up in red, white and blue and bring their pets and bikes to loop around the neighborhood.