BRISTOL, R.I. (WLNE) — 239 years of history were on display in Bristol this morning, as the Fourth of July was kicked off with day of festivities. More than two centuries of tradition made its way down Hope Street. The two-mile long Bristol Parade is a massive event bringing people out from all over the country. “It’s Bristol. It’s special, it’s just been happening every year. Every year it’s different, but to me I grew up doing it and I keep doing it,” Paul Silva told ABC 6, who slept overnight at the parade route. “Even 37 years ago when I got married, we shortened our honeymoon by a day so we could be back for the 4th of July,” Paul Silva told ABC 6, who slept overnight at the parade route,” he said. “I enjoy just the people. You know it’s the town involvement that I really enjoy,” said Betty Almeida from Somerset. I mean you see the locals all march together, even the priests get out together and they all march together. And it’s that community spirit that I think I enjoy most about Bristol,” she continued. The parade kicked off around 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning as a send off to the Fourth of July and a slightly more official start to the summer. The parade ends at the intersection of High and Congregation Street, and the parking bans lift around 3 p.m. Categories: Bristol 4th of July, News