FRAMINGHAM, MA - There have been no fireworks in Framingham since the local popular display over Farm Pond ended in the 1970's. Back then families would pack the kids, a cooler, some chairs or a blanket into the car and head down to the Co-Op shopping center or the open spaces along Dudley Road -- or if they lived Downtown, they could throw a barbecue, then sit in their own yard and watch the sky light up.

After the Farm Pond displays ended, Framingham residents would flock to see the Natick fireworks displays over the wetlands area behind Shoppers World and watch from parking lots along Speen St and Rt. 30.  Once the re-development of Shoppers World and the new Natick Mall began, that too ended.

There are no fireworks displays in Framingham, Natick (or any other adjacent town), so we've rounded up a list of some of the July 4th (2011) holiday weekend events taking place in the greater Metrowest area, including Boston & Worcester fireworks info.

4th of July Fireworks in Boston:

Note: You can take the MBTA train from Downtown Framingham to Boston or Worcester and save gas and parking fees -- and get a free ride home after the fireworks! (On July 4th,  after 10:30PM, all MBTA buses and trains are free!)

• Boston: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular - Monday, July 4th Boston Pops Concert starts at 8:30PM, Fireworks display from 10:30PM to 11:00PM on The Esplanade at the Hatch Shell, (which is located on the Charles River between the Longfellow and Mass Ave. Bridges --  also known as "the Oval"). The Oval opens at 9:00AM and wristbands are issued that allow you in and out of the oval. The area usually fills up by 2:00PM, then no more wristbands are issued! You must have a wristband and re-enter by 6:00PM for concert and fireworks. No alcohol, glass containers, sharp objects or tarps bigger than 8'x10'. Folding / beach style chairs only.  See www.july4th.org website for details.

• Boston: Community Boating Sailabrates the 4th of July - Monday, July 4th at 4:00pm until the Fireworks Grand Finale, Gourmet BBQ begins at 6:00pm. Located at the Community Boating Boathouse on the Esplanade Between the Hatch Shell and the Longfellow Bridge next to the Charles Circle footbridge. Admission includes BBQ, Door Prizes, Face painting and fun for the kids, water/smoothies and other non-alcoholic drinks, chairs/seating provided. Listen and watch concert on 26' big-screen t.v., sitting under the fireworks! Tickets are: $100/adult, $50/teen (age 13-17), $25/kids (age 7-12), Adult Members: $50. This event sell out every year, order tickets early if you plan to attend! Visit the www.community-boating.org website and click the 4th of July link for details.

4th of July Fireworks in Metrowest & Eastern MA:

• Bellingham: Concert and Fireworks, (Monday July 4th) at the Bellingham High School. Concert begins at 7:00p.m. featuring "Elements" an Earth, Wind and Fire tribute band. Fireworks start at 9:30p.m.  Barbecue food by Outback Steakhouse.  Bellingham High School is located at 60 Blackstone St.,  Bellingham, MA. (From Framingham, take 495 south to Rt. 140 west, follow Mechanic St. to Blackstone St.) More info at: www.bellinghamma.org

• Franklin: 4th of July Celebration - weekend long celebration from Thursday, June 30th through Monday July 4th, 2011 -- carnival with rides, games and food, road race, bands, children's parade and fireworks. Fireworks will be held Saturday July 2nd at 10:p.m. at the Franklin High School, located at 218 Oak St.  (From Framingham, take Rt. 495 south, to Rt. 140 east, to Panther Way), see website for details: www.july4thfranklinma.com

• Brockton: Brockton Fair - Fireworks, Demolition Derby, Monster Trucks, Walker Brother's Circus, "Marvelous Mutts" trained dog show, "A Grizzly Experience" grizzly bear show, Motocross and Flat Track Motorcycle Racing events, Lumberjack Contest, comedians, hypnotists, carnival rides, games, food galore -- and much more! (Check fair calendar for specific days/times of events) Fair is open from Thursday, June 30th through Sunday July 10th, 2011. (Fireworks on July 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 9).  Rt. 123, Brockton, MA 02301, $20/carload (parking and admission for all in the vehicle) and walk-up admission is $5/adults and $1/children 12 & under. (From Framingham take Rt. 9 east to Rt. 27 south and follow to Brockton, or take Rt. 128 south to Rt. 24 south to Belmont St. exit). Find schedule of events and other details: www.brocktonfair.com

• Lexington: Carnival and Fireworks, Friday July 1st through 5th, 2011, (Fireworks Saturday July 2nd at approx 9:30p.m), Center Field off Worthen Rd., (from Framingham, take Rt. 128 north, to Rt. 2A east, to Waltham Rd.), for details visit: www.lexingtonlions.org/4thofJulyCarnival.cfm

• Milford:Fireworks - Sunday, July 3rd, at Fino Field, Fireworks start at approx. 9:30p.m., (raindate July 5th). (From Framingham take Rt. 495 south to exit 20 / Cedar St., take a right at the Wendy's onto Dilla St., then left onto Sumner St., and left onto Granite St.) Milford town info at: www.milford.ma.us

• Natick: Parade - (No fireworks - - but a great parade!) On Monday July 4th, starting at 9:00a.m., the Natick Friends of the 4th will be hosting their annual Natick 4th of July Parade.  Marching bands, decorated floats, dancing girls, clowns, a convoy of firetrucks, military vehicles and classic cars leave from the 9/27 Shopping Center and parade down Route 27, (headed south on N. Main St), and turn onto Rt. 135, passing through Downtown Natick and ending after new fire station.  Last year Rex Trailer, (who used to host the popular Boston based kid's t.v. show "Boomtown"), was in the parade -- you never know who or what you might see this year! For complete info, visit the Natick Friends of the 4th website at: www.natick4th.org

• Needham: Fireworks and Tercentennial Celebration - The Needham fireworks have always been one of the best displays in the area,  and to celebrate Needham's 300th Birthday, (1711-2011), they promise to be better than ever! Celebration and Fireworks are Sunday, July 3rd at Memorial Field. Event starts at 5:00pm with food tents, pony rides, face painting and family fun. At 7:oop.m. "The Reminisants" oldies band perform live. Fireworks synchronized to music start at dusk.  Grand Parade is July 4th starting at 9:00a.m.  (For fireworks celebration, From Framingham take Rt. 9 to Rt. 128 south, to Rt. 135 west -- or from Downtown Framingham take Rt. 135 east all the way to Needham). For details and complete schedule, visit: www.needhamexchangeclub.org

• Worcester: Fireworks - Friday, July 1st, at at East Park (also known as Christoforo Columbo Park), on Shrewsbury St., park opens at 6:00p.m. with a flag raising ceremony at 7:30p.m. followed by an 8:00p.m. performance by the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. Fireworks begin at 9:30p.m., (from Framingham, take Rt.  west to  Shrewsbury St., park is approx 1 mile from Rt. 9 on the right -- or take the MBTA commuter rail from Downtown Framingham to Worcester's Union Station, then walk 1/2 mile east on Shrewsbury St., park will be on left). For more info visit the Worcester Chamber of Commerce website at: www.worcesterareachamberofcommerce.com

Please use the comment area below to provide additional information if you have gone to any of these events in the past, or if you know about other 2011 July 4th Weekend events taking place in Eastern, MA.

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