A child sits on their parent’s shoulders to watch the display || Solange Jain Fireworks go off as a vendor sells balloons || Solange Jain People gathered on any available space, even the street, to sit and watch the fireworks on July 3 in Swampscott || Solange Jain Fireworks burst in the air || Solange Jain Firework displays lit up the sky || Solange Jain At least 1,000 people gather in front of Kings beach A vendor sells light-up wands to people as they wait for the fireworks to commence || Solange Jain A live band performs Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift to a large audience on the Town Hall Lawn || Solange Jain 
A man in an American flag-themed shirt stares up at the large American flag that sits in front of Town Hall in Swampscott || Solange Jain Food trucks assemble on the Town Hall Lawn, attracting many customers || Solange Jain Hungry Nomad food truck sells food on the Town Hall Lawn in the early evening, as people start to arrive || Solange Jain An ice cream truck vendor sells ice cream to people after the firework show is over || Solange Jain People watch fireworks light up the sky while protecting themselves from the rain || Solange Jain
Fourth of July festivities began yesterday at 5 p.m. on the Town Hall Lawn. From the start, over 100 people, including many families, settled on the lawn surrounded by food trucks and watched the Malibu Sands Beach Club band perform.
Food trucks included Isabella’s Ice Cream, Hungry Nomads, East Regiment Beer Company and many more. Children danced on the grass as the band played fan favorites such as “Anti Hero” by Taylor Swift, “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers and “Dear Maria, Count Me In” by All Time Low.
By 8:30 p.m., a half hour before the fireworks were scheduled to begin, at least 1,000 people had gathered by Kings Beach, sitting in any available space. Vendors sold light up wands and balloons, and people waved American flags.
Then, as the fireworks were about to begin, the first few raindrops fell.
The firework show continued on despite the rain, however, displaying a wide range of shapes and colors for about a half hour. People watched the fireworks in awe, holding umbrellas and wearing rain jackets. When the show ended people clapped and cheered before quickly trying to escape the rain.
Swampscott’s July 4 festivities may have been held a day before the actual holiday, but on Friday there will be the annual Fourth of July races at Phillips Park/Blocksidge Field. The first race kicks off at 10:30 a.m., and there are divisions for children under 5, children entering kindergarten through eighth grade (each grade will have their own race), adults 14-34, adults 35-59 and adults 60+.
