Things to do: Week of July 3

Thursday, July 3

A world-famous heist

Author Bob Ainsworth will host a presentation about the infamous and unsolved Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Thursday, July 3 at 11 a.m.

This mysterious robbery took place in 1990, when thieves stole $500 million worth of valuable art from the Boston art museum. Ainsworth’s novel, “DUPED,” centers around a fictional account of the theft.

Ainsworth will review the real-life details of the heist, including a deep-dive into the suspects and motives behind the crime.

This presentation is recommended for participants ages 12 and older.

Friday, July 4

Marion Independence Day Parade

Having a blast on the Fourth of July doesn’t always require fireworks. Marion’s Independence Day Parade will begin on Friday, July 4 at 9 a.m. in the ball field behind the Marion Town House.

The parade will feature a veteran-guided float, antique cars, tractors and a fire apparatus, in addition to appearances from the Boy Scouts, Wareham Militia and Minutemen, Burr Brothers, Rusty Nuts Car Club and J. Sull Wine among other businesses and organizations.

The parade route proceeds as follows:

• East on Main Street to Spring Street
• North on Spring Street to Route 6
• East on Route 6 to Front Street
• South on Front Street to Main Street
• West on Main Street to the ball field for disbanding

Following the parade, an award ceremony will be held to honor outstanding floats.

Four on the Fourth road race

Before the cookouts and fireworks begin, hit the ground running at Mattapoisett’s Fourth of July road race.

The four-mile Mattapoisett Road Race, known as “Four on the Fourth,” will take place on the Fourth of July starting at 9 a.m. at Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett.

Participants must register for the race online at https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Mattapoisett/MattapoisettRoadRace. Registration costs $25 prior to Wednesday, July 2 and costs $35 on July 3 and 4.

Concert band kickoff

The Marion Concert Band is kicking off their season with a Fourth of July performance taking place on Friday, July 4 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Robert O. Broomhead Bandstand at Island Wharf.

The band will perform American classics such as the “Star Spangled Spectacular,” “God Bless America,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America, the Beautiful” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” among many others.

The concert is free and open to the public with no registration required.

Saturday, July 5

Arts in the Park

The Marion Art Center’s signature outdoor market Arts in the Park is returning on Saturday, July 5.

Featuring a select group of local artists and artisans, goods for purchase will include baskets, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, woodworking, hand-crafted furniture and more.

This family-friendly event will feature live music by Richard Lewis and Rich Allendorf, the South Shore Smokehouse food truck, games and kids’ activities, and a raffle for original artwork.

Arts in the Park will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Bicentennial Park across from the Marion Art Center. The rain date is scheduled for July 6.

Visit https://marionartcenter.org/events to learn more.

Whales, octopi and sharks, oh my!

Get ready for this musical and educational oppor-tuna-ty. Hosted by the Mattapoisett Land Trust, there will be a free performance of participatory songs and movement by Stand-Up Chameleon Jackson Gillman at Munro Preserve near the town wharf in Mattapoisett on Saturday, July 5 at 11 a.m.

“Whales, Octopi & Sharks, Oh My!” is described as a musical dive into marine science.

The event is rain or shine. Call 774-377-9191 for further details.

Sunday, July 6

Marion Horse Show

On Sunday, July 6th the Marion Horse Show is returning for its 78th year. Starting at 8 a.m. the show will feature classes for riders of all ages.

The show will take place at Washburn Memorial Park at 39 Washburn Lane and is free and open to the public.

Visit www.MarionHorseShow.com for more information.