MIDDLEBORO — Independence Day celebrations in Middleboro will stretch over five days this year and feature a carnival, fireworks, a parade and more.

The festivities kick off Tuesday, July 2, and run through Saturday, July 6, at Peirce Park, located at 26 Jackson St.

A variety of carnival rides will be available, including a Ferris wheel, swing boat, The Zipper, cliff hanger, a 30-foot slide and many more. Rides for younger children will also be offered.

In addition to the rides, attendees can enjoy classic carnival games such as free throw shooting, sledgehammer swinging and target-shooting challenges.

A standard wristband costs $35 and allows for four hours of entry on any single day. For those looking to stay longer, a super wristband is available for $45, offering eight hours of access on Saturday, July 5, and nine hours on Sunday, July 6. Wristbands are valid for one day only.

The celebration continues on Thursday, July 4, with the North Middleboro Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Pratt Free School at the intersection of Plymouth and Pleasant streets. A long-standing tradition, the parade will wind through North Middleboro and feature the Fire and Police Departments, town officials, classic cars and creatively decorated floats.

Later that day at Peirce Park, a watermelon-eating contest and a greasy pole contest will take place at 1 p.m. Contestants ages 6–12 and 12–17 will compete for a $75 prize in each event. Last year, about 60 participants joined the watermelon contest, while the greasy pole drew 40 to 50 daring competitors.

The fireworks show is set for Friday, July 5, at 10 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from Battis Field and can be viewed from Peirce Park and various other spots around town.

Park Superintendent Francis Cass said this year’s event includes a new — and free — attraction: a motocross stunt show. Cass said the show will be an “Evil Knievel style” performance. 

For more information on the upcoming festivities visit the Town of Middleboro website or fanelliamusements.com