Good morning, this is your Burlington Local Frequency for Friday, July 4th, 2025. Happy Independence Day, Burlington! The city’s buzzing with energy as we celebrate the Fourth, and there’s no shortage of things to do or stories making an impact right here in our community.First, for those eager to get outdoors, Burlington’s Annual Independence Day Celebration lit up the waterfront last night, with Vermont’s largest fireworks display dazzling crowds along Lake Champlain. If you missed it, the spirit continues today—plenty of folks are out and about enjoying the lake, the bike path, and the vibrant food scene. Remember, traffic around the waterfront is expected to be heavier than usual, so pack your patience if you’re heading downtown. Public transit and biking are great alternatives today.As you’re enjoying the festivities, keep in mind some of the city’s ongoing efforts to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Starting this evening, Burlington is launching a temporary Safe Overnight Parking pilot at Perkins Pier, running through August 15th. Vehicles registered for this program can use the gravel lot overnight, offering support for families and individuals transitioning from the state motel system. The city is waiving permit fees as part of a broader approach that includes added patrols, bathroom and water access, and cooling centers when temperatures climb. While this step alone won’t solve homelessness, city leaders emphasize the importance of coordinated action to build affordable housing and provide wraparound services—a reminder on this holiday that community support comes in many forms and is much needed right now.If you’re looking to make the most of the day, nearby towns are also celebrating in style. Bristol is hosting its quirky Great Outhouse Race on West Street, where hand-built outhouses race for the title of champ—a classic Vermont spectacle that draws plenty of laughs. Stowe is parading down Main Street, and Bennington is combining history with fireworks, so if you’re up for a drive, the options are plentiful.Stay safe as you move through any celebrations—hydrate, keep an eye on the little ones, and if you’re lighting any fireworks at home, remember local ordinances and safety guidelines. Emergency services are on alert, and the city asks everyone to look out for each other.That’s a wrap for today’s Burlington Local Frequency. Celebrate the Fourth with pride and community spirit, and if you see a neighbor in need, lend a helping hand. This has been Burlington Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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