For the first time in several years, North Reading is holding a Fourth of July celebration. The festivities will take place at Ipswich River Park starting at noon.

Park at the high school, and then the middle school when the high school lot is full. A complimentary bus service will take you from the schools to the park in the afternoon. There will be handicapped parking on site.

Here is a schedule for the day:

Noon to 8 p.m.: Attractions and vendors are open for business

Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Bike, doll carriage and pet parades

1 to 3 p.m.: Pony rides

1 to 1:30 p.m.: North Reading Community Chorale

1:30 to 2 p.m.: North Reading School of Ballet

2 to 4 p.m.: Alpha & Omega music showcase

4 to 5 p.m.: Crazy Jane

5 to 5:30 p.m.: DJ Phil Carbone

5 to 8 p.m.: RE/MAX hot-air balloon

5:30 to 6 p.m.: Project 28 (youth band)

6 to 6:30 p.m.: Opening ceremony/Selectmen Chairman Sean Delaney

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Boston Horns

8:30 to 9 p.m.: DJ Phil Carbone

9 p.m.: Fireworks 

At the event, you will have the opportunity to buy pulled pork from the Horseshoe Grille, salad from Kitty's, pizza from the Hornet's Nest, chicken wings and chili from the Great American Tavern, Mrs. Felix’s Cupcakes, shaved ice from a food truck, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fried dough, strawberry shortcake and more. Crafters will be selling scented soaps, pottery, jewelry and other hand-made items.  

According to the Bring Back the Fourth Committee Chairman Fred Chalmers, the event is still not "fully funded." The committee is hoping to take donations up to and after the event to pay their bills. If you would like to make a donation, mail your check, made out to NR 4th of July, to NR Bring Back the 4th, PO Box 653, North Reading, MA, or donate online.

The rain date for the event is Saturday, July 7.