Bainbridge’s biggest event of the year keeps the whole island busy — but between construction on Madison Avenue, new traffic patterns for the ferry, multiple large events and more than 75 vendors and booths to choose from, some insider knowledge can go a long way.

Here’s what you need to know about celebrating the 57th anniversary of BI’s Grand Old 4th of July.

The town starts to buckle down hours before events begin. Winslow Way East will be shut down to vehicle traffic starting at noon July 3. Residents may begin to stake out spots to view the “Best Small-Town Parade in America” along the main drag with lawn chairs and shade structures. Bjune and Brien East Drives will be shut down at 9 the morning of July 4 for vendors and arts booths. A running event will take over portions of BI, starting with Wyatt Avenue at 9 a.m., followed by rolling closures on High School Road between 9:45-10:45 a.m. and Madison at 11 a.m.

Madison, part of the parade path, has been under construction for months, but city manager Blair King said the road will be tenable for bi-directional vehicle traffic and pedestrians by July 4. The new raised bicycle path will not be completed so parade-viewers should mind the gravel strip.

One BI resident reminded parade-goers to share the road. “Please remember folks with walkers and wheelchairs must have clear access to sidewalks and crosswalks,” Beverly Ford said.

BI residents welcome massive numbers of tourists for the Grand Old 4th, but before the town is flooded, islanders have their own personal celebration: the Bainbridge Appreciation dance from 6-11 p.m. July 3 in Winslow.

The big day kicks off the day with the annual Pancake Breakfast for the Bainbridge High School Boosters Club at 7 a.m. in the Town and Country parking lot.

Short stacks may be an American classic, but they’re also fuel for the 45th annual Fun Run at 9 a.m., hosted by Bainbridge Youth Services. Runners of all ages can sign up for a Winslow 1 mile, 5k or Kids’ Dash — which includes an obstacle course, jumps, sprints and more — to support youth mental health services. Before July 1, registration is $30 for both distance events and $15 for the Kids’ Dash. It costs more after that, but proceeds go to BYS.

For those who don’t see the “fun” in running, the 9 a.m. whistle coincides with the Grand Old 4th Car Show. Classic cars, hot rods, military vehicles, motorcycles and unique rides in any condition will be on display for onlookers in the parking lot behind Umpqua and Chase Banks on Bjune Drive until 2 p.m. There will be awards granted in six categories, including a People’s Choice Award, with one-of-a-kind trophies welded by the team at Modern Collision Rebuild and Service. Entrants must arrive after 6:30 a.m. but before 8:30 a.m., lest they find themselves stampeded by BYS Fun Runners.

By late morning, stationary events will be in full swing. The Street Fair, with arts and crafts booths, local vendors and artisans, live music, nonprofits and more, will be open for browsing and mingling with neighbors. Nearly every inch of Bjune and Brien will feature a different activity — such as a beer and wine garden, pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy houses and mini-golf.

The day culminates when the clock strikes 1 p.m. as the mile-long parade of local clubs, bands, dancers and more kicks off along Madison and Winslow. The parade has attracted thousands of people to BI every year since 1967, and as organizers at the BI Chamber of Commerce write, “just like in years past, we’re hoping for sun, expecting smiling faces, and we can absolutely promise a great time for the whole family.”