America's oldest Independence Day parade marks 240 years of patriotic tradition

A quaint coastal New England town known for hosting the oldest Independence Day parade is once again resuming festivities this year for its 240th anniversary.  

The town of Bristol, Rhode Island, began hosting celebrations in 1785.

Sometime in the early 1800s, a more formal parade formed, including the Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade, says the same website.

The parade has its own "town crier" who announces, "Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye."

"Michael's grandfather, James D. Rielly, rang the bell for 15 years, retiring in 1989. You will see Michael during Fourth of July events and out front of the Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade ringing his bell."

The beach town goes all out beginning celebrations on Flag Day, June 14th.

Each year there is a parade float contest with awards for the most patriotic, most beautiful, and most original. 

This year's visiting ship is the USS Billings (LCS-15), which is a littoral combat ship operating under the U.S. 4th Fleet.

Fox News Digital reached out to parade organizers for comment.