Newport - Bristol [It's all about the people]

This morning my plan was to drive up to Bristol to experience the oldest continuous 4th of July festivities in America. In anticipation of staking out both a parking space and a spot along the parade route, I left early this morning for the 45 minute drive up to Bristol. It had been suggested that I park at Roger Williams University, about a mile from the parade route. While it took a few minutes to find someone who knew where I could park, it turned out to be a non-issue. I had a couple of football fields of parking lot to choose from.

It was drizzling when I arrived, and continued during the walk into town. I could see that I actually could have parked much closer as there was plenty of street parking. The threat of rain was obviously curtailing the usual crowds. When I arrived, I went looking for restroom facilities. I asked Jim, who had set up a tent and a bunch of folding chairs outside of The Lobster Pot restaurant, if he knew where I might find them. The restaurant was closed for a private event, but he kindly took me in to use their facilities. Outside again, he introduced me to Jeff, the owner of the restaurant. Jeff, in what I now understand to be typical Rhode Island style, immediately invited me to join the private breakfast that was being prepared for 100 or so of his family and friends.

I made the acquaintance of a number of people and was quite grateful to have food, shelter and company when the rain did start in earnest around 10 AM. The parade was scheduled to begin up the street at 10:30 AM. By then, the rain was already diminishing and - magically - by 11 AM, when the parade was expected to pass by our location, it stopped completely.

I had chosen this location initially because it was at a corner and provided a good vantage point to be able to shoot straight on. By the time I went out, the streets were filled with observers, most having brought their own chairs and tents or umbrellas. I ended up standing next to author and congressional candidate Paul LeBon. At current count, 15 Democrats alone vying for the primary nomination. It was obvious that he is well known as many of the officials at the front of the parade stopped to shake his hand. We had some interesting conversations over the two hours I stayed to watch the parade. At some point Dominic, an EMT, also joined us and the conversation. What I appreciated about our discussions was, even though we did not agree on everything, there was an actual dialogue and exchange of information. This is in contrast to several conversations I had earlier in the trip.

Over the course of the two hours, the weather turned from hot, cloudy and rainy to hot, sunny and muggy. Off came the rain jacket, out came the hat and sunglasses. When I bailed at about 1 PM, the parade was still going strong. However, the groups at that point were mostly school bands from out of state. I knew I had evening plans and wanted a break. I did learn during the day that the Newport Fireworks had been postponed to their rain date of tomorrow. And a storm was indeed forecast again for the afternoon and evening. That was disappointing but the 4th of July in Rhode Island goes on all week, and there may be another opportunity for fireworks tomorrow evening in Providence.

Although the fireworks cruise was no longer a possibility, I was not going to miss the invitation to Bar and Board . The storm hit with a vengeance in the late afternoon, with thunder and lightening. Instead of manufactured fireworks, we had a spectacular natural display. When power went out at my hotel, I took that as my cue to take advantage of a short break in the storm to make my way over to Newport. I was glad for my 4WD as there was some impressive flooding. I spent a pleasant couple of house at the upstairs bar in the restaurant. Britt and Charlie took great care of me, and by early evening the storm had abated. As I walked back into the hotel the power flickered back on, so my timing was good.

Tomorrow I head up to Providence for a couple more days in RI