This Weekend in Lyme and Old Lyme, July 4 & 5

As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Lyme and Old Lyme are putting their unique mark on the festivities.

Saturday, July 4

Lyme Fourth of July Celebration

Lyme’s traditional Fourth of July festivities begin with the town parade at 10 a.m., followed by a free community barbecue at the Lyme Grange. The day also includes a veterans ceremony, community sing-along, commemorative tree planting and Revolutionary War-era music program along with local history exhibits.

Sound View Independence Day Parade

Decorated bicycles, wagons, golf carts, floats, pets and marchers will once again fill the streets when the annual Sound View Beach Independence Day Parade steps off at 10 a.m. from the Shoreline Community Center. Awards will be presented for everything from patriotic costumes to best-decorated bikes, and maybe even best-dressed pets.

Rogers Lake Boat Parade

The seventh annual Rogers Lake Boat Parade returns Saturday afternoon, inviting boaters to decorate their vessels in red, white and blue as they cruise the lake in a festive display of patriotism. Don’t miss this chance to find out who takes home the coveted Rogers Lake Boat Parade Cup.

Sunday, July 5

Old Lyme America 250 Community Picnic

Residents and seasonal visitors are invited to Town Woods Park from noon to 4 p.m. for the Old Lyme America 250 Town Picnic, featuring live music by Nightshift, children’s activities, face painting, games, sack races, a pie-eating contest and the unveiling of the town’s America 250 community quilt. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic lunches, blankets and chairs, with food and drinks also available for purchase.