Two hundred and forty-eight years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the American spirit of freedom is still alive and kicking. 

Celebrate that freedom with a parade, a boat blessing, an antique show and more this coming Fourth of July weekend. 

On Independence Day, kids will have the chance to cruise through the Swifts Beach neighborhood decked out in patriotic apparel for their own Fourth of July event hosted by the Swifts Beach Improvement Association. The event will begin at 10 a.m. starting at 38 Pleasant St. The organization encourages everyone who comes to dressed up for the occasion, with prizes available for best dressed attendees.

The Wareham Historical Society will hold its 46th annual antique fair on July 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair is the society’s major fundraiser for the year. 

Antiques will be at the Village Green, Center Park, on Main Street, and in the Methodist Meeting House, 495 Main Street.

The admission gate is at the corner of Main Street, across from the meeting house, Admission is $5 for adults, while children 12 years old and under are free. 

A tour of the Fearing Tavern is included in the admission fee; tours will run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

On Saturday, July 6, the Onset Bay Association will continue the Fourth of July festivities with a Blessing of the Fleet Boat Parade. 

The parade and the boat blessing ceremony starts at 10 a.m., with registration available on the Onset Bay Association website. Prizes will be given for the best dressed boat. 

Kids’ parades will follow after the Blessing of the Fleet, with bikes, doll carriages and pets all encouraged to take part. Registration is available at the Pier the morning of the event. 

The Swifts Beach Association will also have a scavenger hunt on Fourth of July weekend, leading up to an ice cream social at on Saturday, July 6 at 7 p.m.

The form for the scavenger hunt costs $5 can be picked up at the association’s kid’s bingo event, held Friday, July 5 at 7 p.m. Scavenger hunt sheets can be returned at the ice cream social; the social costs $5 per person.