Amherst Plans to Hold Another Fun, Exciting, Family Friendly Fireworks Event Featuring; Hot Air Balloon Rides, Your Favorites Foods, Carnival Rides and Games, Beer Garden & More! Activities start at 5:00 PM and Fireworks will start at 9:00 PM. Friday, July 1, at McGuirk Stadium behind UMass Amherst. Don’t bring your credit cards, it is a cash only event.

The day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the 13 former British colonies on July 4, 1776.

Massachusetts became the first state to recognize the Fourth of July as a statewide holiday in 1781.