Mayor Walsh’s office announced on Saturday that the big cat himself, Mayor Marty Walsh, will help kick off the 33rd annual Boston Harborfest on Wednesday, July 2. Festivities will commence at high noon at Faneuil Hall Marketplaces, in the shadows of the BostInno office, and come to a close five-days later on July 6.

Boston Harborfest is an yearly summer celebration featuring over 200 events in honor of Independence Day and our deep colonial roots. To get a taste for what’s in store, check out our detailed coverage from last year. Or, to look ahead, check out the list of daily events on the Harborfest website.

“The Fourth of July holiday week is a special time for the City of Boston. We are excited to kick-off Harborfest and invite everyone to enjoy the sites and sounds of the 2014 festival,” said Mayor Walsh in a statement. “It’s fitting to host the opening ceremony at Faneuil Hall – the cradle of liberty – with its more than 200 years of history right here in Boston.”

The jubilations have grown exponentially throughout the years in terms of size and scope, starting with just 35 events back in 1982 and growing into more than 200. The Harborfest is considered to be one of the largest patriotic celebrations in the nation.

Mayor Walsh will channel his inner swashbucker and join Navy Rear Admiral Fagan in cutting a cake provided by the fine folks of Faneuil Hall for all to enjoy using nothing but a cutglass sword.

The United States Navy Band Rhode Island Sound and US Navy Band Northeast vocalist Musician Second Class Laura Carey will rile American spirit by leading a rousing rendition of the National Anthem. Members of the National Park Service ark Rangers and Freedom Trail Players will gear up in Revolutionary Era garb and entertain any questions with historical context and perspective.

Stay tuned to BostInno for more information on events and festivities.

Image via Boston Harborfest Faac