Globe North best bets

CELEBRATING THE FOURTH

Amesbury: Fireworks at Woodsom Farm, 9:15 p.m. on July 4. Full schedule at ci.amesbury.ma.us.

Boxford: The annual Jennifer Tinney Memorial Road Race, sponsored by the Boxford Athletic Association, begins at 8 a.m. on July 4 at Middleton and Georgetown roads. Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Cahoon and Topsfield roads and follows a 1-mile route, ending at East Boxford Fire Station. www.town.boxford.ma.us (click on Community Events).

Danvers: Danvers Family Festival 2008 July 3, 4-9 p.m. at Plains Park. Fireworks rain date, July 5. Highlands Bean Supper, July 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Highland Commons, Centre St., with music by The Maple Sugar Band. Rain date, July 4. $6.For tickets, 978-777-7785 or 978-774-0993. Highlands Horribles Parade, July 4, 9-11 a.m., from Seaboard Products, at Beachwood and Collins streets, to Highlands Common, Centre Street danversfamilyfestival.com.

Gloucester: Gloucester Horribles Parade, July 3 at 6 p.m., from Gloucester High School to downtown area. Fireworks display over Gloucester Harbor at 10 p.m. 978-283-1601, CapeAnnVacations.com,

Hamilton/Wenham: Pancake breakfast, July 4, 8-10 a.m., at Hamilton/Wenham Community House, Route 1A. $7. Decorated bikes, trikes, and strollers may enter the Bike Parade down Route 1A at 10 a.m. with fire trucks, police cars, and antique cars. 978-468-4818.

Haverhill: Winnekenni Castle, on Castle Road at 347 Kenoza Ave. (exit 52 off Route 495), hosts the annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast, 8-11 a.m. All you can eat. $6, children $3. winnekenni.com, 978-521-1230.

Haverhill: Outdoor concert and activities for all ages, July 3 from 6-10 pm. at Haverhill Stadium, 17 Lincoln Ave. Music by the band Airtight and a DJ. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.

Ipswich: Concerts and fireworks on July 4 (rain date, July 5) on The Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road. Gates open at 4 p.m. for picnicking and children's activities at the Kids Fest. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. $25, children $15. Advance tickets at 978-921-1944, ext. 4028, online at craneestate.org, or at the Castle Hill gate.

Lynn/Swampscott: Festivities begin July 3 at 7 p.m. with a concert featuring the Squeeze Box Stompers at Red Rock Park, Lynn Shore Drive in Lynn. The fireworks begin at 9 p.m., shot off from a barge off Red Rock. Viewing from Lynn Shore Drive in Lynn and Humphrey Street in Swampscott. Lynn Shore Drive and surrounding streets will be closed at 7:30 p.m. until after the show. 781-599-1444, 781-596-8850, ci.lynn.ma.us.

Manchester-by-the-Sea: Fireworks over Manchester Harbor, July 3 at 10 p.m. Parade, July 4 at 9 a.m., downtown. 978-283-1601, CapeAnnVacations.com.

Marblehead: Marblehead Festival of Art, offers free activities July 3-5, including kite festival and sand sculpture competition at Devereux Beach. On July 4, the Harbor Illumination starts at 8:45 p.m., followed by fireworks over Marblehead Harbor at 9 p.m. Best viewing is along Fort Sewall and Fort Beach, Crocker Park, Riverhead Beach, and Chandler Hovey Park. marbleheadfestival.org. 781-631-0000, marbleheadfireworks.org.

Nahant: July 3, the Horribles Parade at 6 p.m. on Spring Road (by Enzo's garage). July 4, the Dennis Furbush 5K Road Race starts at 8 a.m. at the fire station. The fireworks display will be shot from Bailey's Hill, beginning approximately 9:15 p.m. The best public viewing is from Tudor Beach and the Town Wharf.

Revere: Free children's activities at Hill Park, July 4 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. revererec.com (click on Classes & Activities). 781-286-8190.

Rockport: Rockport's Firemen's Parade at 6 p.m. July 4 at the high school on Jerden's Lane and ends at Back Beach. Rockport Legion Band concert at the Band Stand at Back Beach at 8:30 p.m. The Bonfire starts at 9 p.m. on Back Beach. 978-283-1601, CapeAnnVacations.com.

Salem: July 4 at the Salem Maritime Historic Site on Derby Wharf. Opening ceremonies at 7:15 p.m. with a United States Air Force military flyover, followed by a two-hour Pops concert by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra. At 9:15 p.m. a fireworks display will be launched from Derby Wharf. salem.com or call Salem City Hall, 978-745-9595, ext. 5676.

Swampscott: Parade today at 4 p.m. at Atlantic and Humphrey streets and ending at Town Hall, 22 Monument Ave. July 4 races and other events at Upper Jackson Park, off The Greenway beginning at 10 a.m. No registration; no fees.

Wakefield: Parade begins at 5 p.m. on July 4. (exit 39 off I-95). Parade route: From Lakeside Office Park, Quannapowitt Parkway, onto North Avenue, to Church Street, to Common Street, south through Wakefield Center, ending at Galvin Middle School. Follow the painted red, white & blue starts and skyrockets pointing the way on the parade route to the best viewing. julyparade.org. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. over Lake Quannapowitt.

Winthrop: Horribles Parade departs from the Town Landing, 651 Shirley St., at 9 a.m. July 4, winding through Point Shirley, ending at Coughlin Park for music and field games. Fireworks over Winthrop Harbor start at approximately 9:30 p.m. from Coughlin Park, Bay View Avenue. 617-846-9898.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Durham: Children's games and food July 4 from 4 p.m. to dusk at Cowell Stadium, on University of New Hampshire campus, off Main Street. Fireworks at dusk. Rain date, July 5. 603-868-5571.

Hampton Beach: The fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. July 5, the band '60s Invasion will play two shows at 7 and 8:30 p.m. hamptonbeach.org.

Portsmouth: Strawbery Banke, on Marcy Street, will host its annual "An American Celebration!" July 4 from noon-5 p.m. Family activities include a children's bike and wagon parade, live music, games and prizes, horse and carriage rides, costumed role players, and food. Adults $8.50; children free. Active military service personnel and their families are free. For advance tickets, visit strawberybanke.org and click on the events page.

Portsmouth: Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. on July 3 at South Mill Pond, across from Portsmouth City Hall. Rain date, July 4, same time. Call the Recreation Department at 603-766-1483.

Rye: On July 4, games and activities for children at Parsons Field, Washington Road. The band, The Jack and Karrie Show will perform at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk. 603-964-6281.