Fourth of July celebrations are back with a bang this year as fireworks return to Silvershell Beach, the Marion Horse Show celebrates 66 years, Mattapoisett holds its annual road race, and a piece of South Coast history makes its debut in Marion’s parade.

Ten years ago, Fairhaven’s Joe Guard purchased the fiberglass train that once hauled children through New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park.

On July 4, Guard will drive the train through Marion streets with two vintage bumper cars and two old Tilt-a-Whirl amusement ride cars in tow.

A former body shop employee, Guard was looking for a project and finished the train’s restoration three years ago.

Guard purchased the train and the International Cub Cadet Low Boy tractor it sits atop at public auction. Both were built in 1952. The project brought Guard to Virginia to purchase a solid brass, authentic train whistle among other locations.

“Everything is totally restored,” Guard said. “It looks brand new.”

The bumper and Tilt-a-Whirl cars were also restored. Guard added chrome accents and new rubber tires to the bumper cars, which were built in 1956. The Tilt-a-Whirl cars date back to 1959, Guard said.

To transport his labor of love Guard traveled to Georgia, where he commissioned a custom-built enclosed trailer.

At 24 feet long, the trailer’s roof was raised to accommodate the train and cars. On the trailer’s walls a mural advertises “Grampy’s Train Rides,” the name Guard gave his project.

At Christmas, the train has transported Santa Claus to visit his grandchildren. Currently, it’s stored in Marion, where his two sons live.

Guard has received offers to buy the train, but he won’t sell, saying you can’t put a price on the joy it’s brought.

“When I turn around and see the kids sitting back there with smiles on their faces, that’s the greatest thing in the world for me,” Guard said. “It’s really beautiful.”

Guard’s train isn’t the only new addition. Parade organizer Rodney Hunt noted that for the first time members of Marion’s Police Brotherhood would provide a color guard.

“I’m so happy. I don’t know what to do,” Hunt said. Other parade entrants include the Portuguese American Band, antique cars, floats, Scout groups and more, Hunt said.

The annual parade is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. on July 4, beginning at the corner of Main and Spring Streets. Marchers will walk north on Spring Street to Route 6, then head east on Route 6 to Front Street. The parade then turns south on Front Street, then west on Main Street.

Fourth of July Horse Show

The long-running Marion Fourth of July Horse Show will again be held in Washburn Park and everyone’s invited to attend.

“We love it when spectators come to the show,” said Show Manager Hollie Danhauser.

The show offers English, Western, Saddle Seat, Driving, and Trail classes for participants. The show attracts riders of all ages and abilities, Danhauser said.

Returning this year is the Costume Class. Riders and horses are encouraged to dress according to the theme “most patriotic.” Awards of $100, $50, and $25 will be given to first, second, and third place finishers, respectively.

The show will be held July 4, beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information, email marion4thofjuly@yahoo.com or visit www.marionhorseshow.com.

A complete list of show classes, rules and regulations, and registration information can be found online.

Visitors should park in the all-purpose field located in Washburn Park, Danhauser noted.

Fireworks return to Marion

Fireworks Committee member, and Marion’s Recreation Director, Jody Dickerson offered thanks to the community for helping to raise money to bring fireworks back to Silvershell Beach.

“The response from residents and local businesses has been tremendous,” he said. “We are very grateful for their support.”

Nearly $50,000 was raised throughout the year.

Fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 6 starting at 9 p.m. on Silvershell Beach. The rain date for the event is Sunday, July 7 at 9 p.m.

Donations can still be made. Make checks payable to Marion Fireworks Committee and mail to the Town House, 2 Spring St., Marion, MA, 02738.

Additional money raised will be put towards purchasing fireworks for next year.

Mattapoisett Road Race

In Mattapoisett, the 43rd annual Road Race begins at 9 a.m. on July 4. Online registration is closed, but runners can still sign up in person at Shipyard Park on July 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for $20, or race morning from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for $25.

The five-mile race begins and ends in front of Shipyard Park. A course map and more information are available at mattappoisettroadrace.com.