Amherst: Amherst’s Fourth of July celebration, with the theme “We the People,” will start on Tuesday, July 3, at Souhegan High School at 5:30 pm., with fireworks, hot air balloon rides, face painting, a juggler, West African drumming, music by the Amherst Town Band and rides on the Roaming Railroad.

The festivities on July 4 begin with the Lions Club Children’s Bicycle Parade down Main Street, with bikes forming on Knight Street Field and proceeding down Main Street past the library to Town Hall.

A puppy parade will follow the children’s parade.

The main parade starts at 10 a.m. and will feature bands, floats, antique cars, Revolutionary and Civil War regiments, mini-cars and clowns, following by a reviewing stand ceremony that will feature music, guest dignitaries and the announcement of the 2018 Citizen of the Year.

On the village green there will an art show, old-fashioned crafts, children’s games, cotton candy, booths featuring local organizations, apron ladies, clowns making balloon animals and animals.

The Fourth of July Committee will sell slush, hamburgers, pizza, and drinks as fundraisers.

Parade judging will take place at 9:45.

The fireworks rain date is Friday, July 6 and cancellations will be posted on WMUR.com.

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Merrimack: Merrimack’s annual Fourth of July Parade is said to be one of the larger parades in New Hampshire, featuring bands, militia units, clowns and floats from local businesses.

Children of all ages are invited to participate by decorating their bicycle, wagon or stroller with a patriotic theme.

The parade begins at 1 p.m. at the Commons Shopping Plaza (Tractor Supply), travels south down Daniel Webster Highway. It then takes a right onto Baboosic Lake Road, travels past Mastricola School and then takes a left onto O’Gara Drive. The parade concludes at Merrimack High School. The entire route is 1.5 miles.

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Milford: Milford’s Independence Day celebrations start on Wednesday July 4 with a “Star Spangled 5k,” and a free “1k Blast” for kids 12 and under. Check in is at 8:30 a.m. and races start at 9 and 9:30.

The Family Fun Day at Keyes Memorial Park and Keyes Pool goes from noon until 2 p.m. with a Patriotic Bike Parade at Keyes Skate Park at noon. Bring a decorated bike, stroller or wagon.

Free entrance to Keyes Pool.

Fireworks start at dusk, launched from the transfer station, and they can be viewed from Keyes Park.

There will be no bonfire this year. The Fun Day rain date Thursday, July 5.