Best Things to Do on the Fourth of July on Cape Cod

View In Browser Are you planning to celebrate Independence Day on Cape Cod? From lively village parades and breathtaking fireworks displays to patriotic concerts that will have you singing along, here’s a round-up of the best ways to show your red, white, and blue pride this Fourth of July on Cape Cod!     Fourth of July Fireworks on Cape Cod   ROCK HARBOR, ORLEANS | Tuesday, July 2 Enjoy the fireworks from Rock Harbor or Skaket Beach, with a stunning sunset just before the display.   PROVINCETOWN HARBOR Thursday, July 4  Watch fireworks at dusk in Provincetown, with the unique option of a whale watch cruise that provides a front-seat view of both breaching humpbacks and the fireworks.   FALMOUTH HEIGHTS BEACH, FALMOUTH | Thursday, July 4 Experience one of the country's most spectacular fireworks displays at Falmouth Heights Beach. Bring a radio and tune in to PIXY 103 (102.9 FM) for a music show accompanying the fireworks.   Fourth of July Parades on Cape Cod Cape Cod’s parades feature festively decorated floats, marching bands, clowns, illuminated boats, and even dogs dressed as Uncle Sam. Here are some must-see parades:   BARNSTABLE VILLAGE: The 1.2-mile parade starts at 9 a.m., leaving from the Barnstable County Courthouse Complex parking lot.   CHATHAM: One of the oldest Independence Day parades in the country, starting at 9:30 a.m. along Main Street.   CENTERVILLE: Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Centerville Elementary School, proceeding along Bumps River Road, Park Avenue, and Main Street.   COTUIT: Begins at 11 a.m. on School Street, continuing down Main Street to the former Cotuit Elementary School.   HYANNIS HARBOR BOAT PARADE:  Starting at 5 p.m., boats decorated in red, white, and blue will parade around Hyannis Harbor.   HYANNIS PORT MINI-MARATHON & PARADE:   The fun run starts at 9 a.m., followed by the parade at 11 a.m., starting at the Hyannis Port Post Office.   ORLEANS:   The parade kicks off from Eldredge Parkway at 10 a.m., showcasing the pride of the Orleans community.   PROVINCETOWN: The colorful parade starts at 11 a.m. down Commercial Street.   SANDWICH:   The "Spirit of Sandwich" parade starts at 10:30 a.m. from the Henry T. Wing School, ending with a family picnic.   WELLFLEET HOMETOWN HOLIDAY PARADE: The nostalgic parade begins at 9:30 a.m. with a classic car parade followed by a float parade at 10 a.m.   Other Independence Day Fun on Cape Cod   THURSDAY, JULY 4   4th of July in Downtown Hyannis: From 4 to 7:30 p.m., enjoy lively music on Main Street and at the Hyannis Village Green Bandstand. Admission is free! Expect pop-up musical performances, giant puppets, jugglers, and more. The Yarmouth Minutemen will also host an educational re-enactment on the Village Green. The evening culminates with performances by the Cape Cod Ukulele Club, the Cape Cod Moonlighters Big Band, and community drumming with Sam Holmstock.   Cape Symphony and Town of Barnstable “Joy 4 July” Celebration at Aselton Park:   Enjoy a free outdoor concert by Cape Symphony at 7:30 p.m. No tickets are required. Free shuttle service will be provided from the Cape Cod Maritime Museum.   Cape Cod Baseball League: Celebrate by enjoying America’s favorite pastime with free games across the Cape. Find your local team’s schedule here: https://www.capecodleague.com/schedule/2024-06-30   FRIDAY, JULY 5 Cotuit Firecracker Classic Road Race: Join this Independence Day tradition with a 5K race through the village of Cotuit, starting at 6 p.m. For more info go to: https://www.semcsports.com/ Make the most of your Fourth of July on Cape Cod with these festive events and celebrations! Cape Cod ~ A Vacationer’s Paradise     Are you dreaming of a getaway to Cape Cod, the picturesque gem of Massachusetts? Planning the perfect accommodation is a crucial part of turning your vacation into a memorable experience. Look no further – navigating through our collection of properties is a breeze.  Our user-friendly website, www.seashorerentalscapecod.com, allows you to effortlessly explore various options, each accompanied by detailed descriptions and high-quality images. Find the property that speaks to you and fits your vacation vision seamlessly, and book instantly right online.   Nichole Willey & Team Call/ Text Nichole @ 508.737.3567 Call/ Text Evelynn @ 774.521.5899  

Honoring Juneteenth: A Historic Step Toward Equality

What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved individuals in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their liberation, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. While Juneteenth celebrates freedom, it also highlights the delayed emancipation experienced by many enslaved people. Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a pivotal moment in American history, marking a step toward equality. This event is celebrated both for its impact on countless lives and for its enduring promise for the future.     The Significance of Juneteenth Initially celebrated as a federal holiday by only three states (Texas, Louisiana, and California), Juneteenth is now recognized by over half of the U.S. states as a second Independence Day and Emancipation Day. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day, serves as a powerful reminder that much work remains in dismantling the systemic barriers faced by Black communities in the United States. Oppression is not just a relic of the past—it continues to exist in the systems and structures of our society and in the actions of those who seek to maintain them. Break the Misconceptions Juneteenth is often misunderstood. It does not mark the signing of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of slaves in the Confederate states, nor does it commemorate the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865, which abolished slavery in the Constitution. The Meaning of the Flag The Juneteenth flag represents history and freedom. Designed in 1997 by activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF), with the help of several collaborators and Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf, the flag features a "new star" on the horizon symbolizing new freedom and a new people. Its red, white, and blue colors signify that the American slaves and their descendants are all Americans. Juneteenth on Cape Cod: Celebrating Emancipation with Music and Culture Cape Cod's Juneteenth celebrations are a vibrant blend of music, food, and history, commemorating the emancipation of the last enslaved people in the United States. As the community gathers to honor this pivotal moment in American history, the festivities offer a rich tapestry of cultural expression and educational opportunities. Join us as we explore the significance of Juneteenth and how Cape Cod marks this day with joyful celebrations and reflective remembrance. Bourne Celebration Date and Time: Juneteenth, Wednesday, June 19, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Location: Aptuxcet Trading Post Museum, Bourne Activities: Family Picnic: Enjoy a family-style cookout on the Aptucxet grounds with grilled hot dogs, Italian sausages, vegan sausages, beverages, and dessert. Bring blankets, chairs, and a side dish or dessert to share. Frederick Douglass Speech: Volunteers will read Douglass's 1852 speech "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Community Discussion: Engage in a discussion about Douglass’s speech and its significance. Children’s Activities: Participate in a story walk, storybook corner, and craft activities.   Event Organizers: Bourne Historical Society, in partnership with the Bourne-Wareham Race Amity Group and the Jonathan Bourne Public Library, funded by the Mass Cultural Council. Significance: This event commemorates Juneteenth and honors Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave, influential abolitionist, and celebrated public speaker. Barnstable Celebration Date and Time: June 19, 1 to 1:30 p.m. Location: Outside courtyard of the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, 397 Main St., Barnstable Activities: History and Significance of Juneteenth: Learn about Juneteenth’s history, including contributions of Black Civil War heroes and heroines with ties to Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Ceremony and Flag-Raising: Includes reading excerpts from the Emancipation Proclamation, narrated by civil rights leader Jeanne Morrison, ending with a flag-raising. Participants: Barnstable town officials, legislative and community leaders, members of the Cape Cod Branch NAACP, Amplify POC, Inc., and the Kennedy Museum. Falmouth Celebrations Pre-Juneteenth Event: Arts Alive Festival Juneteenth Celebration: June 15, starting at 10:45 a.m., Falmouth Library lawn.  Activities: Drumming, food, and a proclamation by state representative David T. Vieira, followed by music from the Juneteenth Celebration Chorus. Juneteenth Day Events: 1. Highfield Hall & Gardens Celebration: Date and Time: June 19, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: 56 Highfield Drive, Falmouth Activities: Music, activities, trails in Beebe Woods, free mansion admission. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the Falmouth Service Center. 2. Saint Barnabas’s Church Community Celebration: Date and Time: June 19, 1 to 3 p.m. Location: 91 Main St., Falmouth Village Green Activities: Juneteenth film clips, panel discussion, soul food samples, music, and kids’ activities. Local vendors will sell goods. 3. Woods Hole Public Library Screening: Date and Time: June 19, 7 to 9 p.m. Location: 581 Woods Hole Road Activity: Free screening of the 2023 version of "The Color Purple," followed by Juneteenth trivia and prizes.

June 2024 Cape Cod Real Estate Market Update

  June 2024 Cape Cod Real Estate Market Update from Cape Cod's Favorite Real Estate Pros, Nichole Willey & Team     May 2024 Market Stats for Barnstable County (Video)     "New Listings were up 26.2 percent for single-family homes and 64.9 percent for condominium properties. Closed Sales increased 15.1 percent for single-family homes but decreased 2.7 percent for condominium properties. The Median Sales Price was up 9.9 percent to $769,000 for single-family homes and 8.1 percent to $525,000 for condominium properties. Months Supply of Inventory increased 45.0 percent for single-family units and 47.4 percent for condominium units.." Information provided by The Cape Cod & Islands Association of REALTORS     Nichole Willey & Team are your local real estate experts on Cape Cod & the South Shore! Whether you are looking to buy, sell, invest, or rent- we have a team of passionate, local professionals waiting to help make your real estate goals a reality. Contact us today or schedule a 1:1 consultation.

Discover 5 Fascinating Pride Facts & Upcoming Pride Events!

  June is here, and with it comes the vibrant celebrations of Pride Month! This is a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community, reflect on the progress made in the fight for equality, and acknowledge the ongoing struggles, now more than ever. Whether you're a longtime ally or new to the festivities, there’s always something new to learn about this vibrant and resilient community.  So, grab your rainbow swag and get read on for more info and fun things to do to celebrate Pride Month on Cape Cod! 🌈❤️🏳️‍🌈   1. Each color on the flag holds its own unique significance     Undoubtedly, the rainbow flag stands out as a prominent symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. Have you ever pondered the significance behind each of its vibrant colors? Originally it had eight distinct hues, each color on the flag carrying its own meaning. From red, symbolizing life, to violet, illustrating spirit, each shade holds a unique representation. For instance, orange embodies healing, pink represents sexuality, and yellow signifies sunlight.   2. More than 20 different flags represent the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community.   Another essential Pride insight lies in the existence of over 20 distinct LGBT+ flags, each with its own significance akin to the colors of the Pride flag's rainbow. Every flag serves as a representation of various gender identities and sexual orientations. While many individuals in the LGBT+ community resonate with the traditional Pride flag, others may find a stronger connection with a specific type of flag instead or in addition to, and you might see more then one flying at people's homes.   3. The legendary rainbow flag was created in 1978     The History of the Iconic Rainbow Flag Designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, this vibrant flag has become an international symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. Initially featuring eight colors, the flag was later simplified to six: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. This change involved removing hot pink and merging turquoise and indigo into royal blue. Gilbert Baker, a respected drag queen and openly gay man, was inspired to create the flag by Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Baker’s creation has since become a beacon of pride, diversity, and resilience for LGBTQ+ people worldwide.   4. São Paulo, Brazil, is home to the world's largest Pride Parade.   photo courtesy of vamosgay.com The Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo had humble beginnings, starting with just 2,000 attendees in 1997. However, it has since grown into a massive event drawing millions. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest Gay Pride celebration globally in 2006, Sao Paulo's parade boasted 2.5 million attendees, a record that remains unbroken to this day. Other prominent Pride parades follow closely behind, with around 2 million participants in New York and approximately 1.7 million in San Francisco.   5. Brenda Howard is recognized as the "Mother of Pride."   photo courtesy of advocate.com Brenda Howard, a prominent activist for bisexual rights, is affectionately referred to as the "Mother of Pride." She earned this title for her pivotal role in organizing the first Liberation March on Christopher Street, just one year after the historic event. Brenda envisioned a week-long Pride Festival comprising parades, rallies, and dance parties, a concept that has endured and flourished ever since.   Upcoming Pride Events on Cape Cod!  June 1: Pride Festival and Marketplace, Town Hall, Provincetown June 2: Feet Over Front Street, Commercial Street, Provincetown June 2: Out on the Bay, Wequassett, Harwich June 4: Pride Month Movie Night: Chrissy Judy, Wellfleet Public Library, Wellfleet June 5: LBGTQ & Allies Get Bad. Do Good. Charity Bingo, Bad Martha, Falmouth June 6: Pride Month Author Talk: Sandra Faiman-Silva, Highfield Hall & Gardens, Falmouth June 6: Marimba Cabaret, Harvest Gallery, Dennis June 6: LGBTQ Pride Putt Putt, Live Music, and BBQ, Duxbury Senior Center, Duxbury June 8: Martha’s Vineyard Pride Parade, Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs June 8: Marimba Cabaret, Cape Symphony’s Falmouth campus, Falmouth June 8: Outside Straight Lines: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Artists on the Cape opening reception, The 204, Harwich. On exhibit during visiting hours from June 1-30. June 9: Pride Pawty Yappy Hour at Cape Cod Beer, Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis June 13: Our Queer Elders Concert with Katie Castagno: LGBTQ History Through Song, Brewster Ladies Library, Brewster June 14-16: Arts Alive 2024, Falmouth Library Lawn, Falmouth June 19: LBGTQ & Allies Get Bad. Do Good. Charity Bingo, Bad Martha, Falmouth June 30: Plymouth Pride Festival, Nelson Memorial Park, Plymouth June 30: Plymouth Pride After Party, Plymouth   Cape Cod ~ A Vacationer’s Paradise   Are you dreaming of a getaway to Cape Cod, the picturesque gem of Massachusetts? Planning the perfect accommodation is a crucial part of turning your vacation into a memorable experience. Look no further – navigating through our collection of properties is a breeze.  Our user-friendly website, www.seashorerentalscapecod.com, allows you to effortlessly explore various options, each accompanied by detailed descriptions and high-quality images. Find the property that speaks to you and fits your vacation vision seamlessly, and book instantly right online.