The parade and fireworks have happened every year for the last thirteen years that we have been there on the fourth. However, the parade is not always exactly on the 4th. It would be wise to check that out ahead of time.

David
Dville

Thanks, I will look further into it! Since you have been many times, do you have any recommendations as far as watching the fireworks. We are staying in a condo and thought we would pack a cooler and sit on a beach and watch them, unless there are better suggestions out there....we watched them from the bar right there at Cruz Bay last time but would like to do something different this time! 😀

I have been going to the 4th on St. Johns for many years. It has always been on the 4th so this is news to me that it might not be on the 4th.

We live on St. Thomas right across from Cruz bay and we watch the fireworks from Sapphire Beach. We set up with some snacks and drinks watch them but there is one draw back. There is very little noise. Most of the people I rent to go over for the day then come back for the fireworks.

The parade is supposed to start around noon, and some times does. But it is slow moving and there are times when the same bunch of
people will be there for five or ten minutes. And it is generally hot in Cruiz bay so bring lots of water.

billd

Thanks billd. I remember that from when we were there last, the parade started like an hour and half later then it was supposed to. We were very hot by the end and went to the beach for a dip afterward. We are staying on St John, so we will probably not venture over Sapphire for the evening ~ but it sounds wonderful. Any other suggestions for St John ~ place to watch the fireworks? Anyone??

It's always on the 4th and always starts late 🙂
Fireworks at night and a great place to view them from is the Beach Bar 🙂
Pia

Krista, The festival parade is on Saturday the 4th of July this year. You can watch the fireworks from the beach in Cruz Bay; don't wait until the last minute to grab a spot though - that is a popular choice since the fireworks are over the Cruz Bay harbor. The bars and restaurants looking over Cruz Bay harbor are also great options. There are other events in addition to the parade going on for St. John Festival like the Food Fair, J'ouvert, Village, shows. Check for the full schedule on the Event's Calendar. The calendar will open in the current month so you will need to change the month. St. John Festival's first event is in late May, continuing in June and ending the first week of July.

BillD & Pia, David's comment is correct about the parade sometimes not taking place on the 4th. This happened for example in 2004, when the 4th of July fell on a Sunday. The parade was held on Monday the 5th instead and the beach jam that is usually on the 5th was held on the 4th. The switch will likely happen again next year, July 4th, 2010 is a Sunday.

--Islander

Thanks Islander! I remembered it being held on the 5th several years back. Anyhow, town is very busy, the parade has started late every year for the past 10 (at least!), but you need to be down early to get a spot. If you aren't a crowd lover, you can watch it on TV.

Thanks Islander 🙂

Pia

Thanks for the great info....what is the BEACH JAM all about? Is it worth a visit? Thanks again everyone!

Gotta love the forum. Where else can you find the 4th of July parade is sometimes held on the 5th? Kind of blows our plans out for next year as we were scheduled to leave on the 5th planning on having a parade on the 4th.
Okay, is it worth staying for the parade or if we decide to leave on the 5th will travel through Cruz be a headache and we might as well leave on the 4th or 6th?
Comments please...

We were at Beach Jam a couple of years ago. It's held at Gibney. May I suggest since there is essentially no parking that you should arrange for a taxi to get you there and arrange pickup.