Newton's July 4 In Photos

NEWTON, MA — The holiday started with several hundred parents and kids gathered at Newton Center playground for the annual Newton Community Pride parades and races organized in conjunction with the City of Newton.

Marking the start of the day, Newton North student Hailey Mae McDonald sang the National Anthem with Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and Parks, Recreation, and Culture Commissioner Bob DeRubeis not far away, according to Howard Sholkin, of Newton Pride. Hailey also sang the anthem before the fireworks later that night to the cheers of hundreds.

Early Thursday, it was all about the parades, dogs on parade, doll carriages on parade, then teddy bears and bikes. After the half dozen parades finished, it was off to the races.

A morning tradition continued with free ice cream courtesy of Newton Pride sponsor Cabot's Ice Cream.

And then it was grand finale, with the show stopping fireworks.

Here's a short video that Shoklin took of the Newton fireworks: