Top Places to Celebrate the Fourth of July
by Sandy Mitchell on June 11th, 2008
The 4th of July marks the day that the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia on July 4th, 1776, separating the United States from Britain and launching the Revolutionary War. Even the tiniest US city celebrates the birth of the country, usually with fireworks, parades, cook-outs, and concerts. However, some cities have more spectacular celebrations. Below is my (relatively subjective) list of the top places to celebration Independence Day:
1. Washington DC. As you would expect, the capital of the United States goes all out in celebrating July 4th. The free “Capitol Fourth” concert by the National Symphony is held on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol and draws more than 700,000 visitors each year. Always included are Sousa marches, “God Bless America,” and the finale of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overature” with canons and fireworks.
2. Boston. Boston’s celebration includes a concert by the Boston Pops at the Hatch Memorial Shell and Oval followed by fireworks over the Charles River.
3. San Francisco. The “City by the Bay’s” Independence Day Celebration takes place on the waterfront along Pier 39, Cannery Row, and Ghirardelli Square. The day’s activities include face-painting, live music and other entertainment, food, and, of course, fireworks over the Bay at dusk.
4. Philadelphia. Philadelphia, the city where the United States was born, marks the occasion with a week-long “Welcome America Festival.” July 4th festivities include a morning ceremony on Independence Mall, the ringing of the Liberty Bell at 2pm, an afternoon parade, and an evening concert followed by fireworks.
5. New York City. Macy’s sponsors the New York City fireworks, which are set off from three locations–over the East River in Midtown, at South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan, and from Liberty State Park near the Statue of Liberty.
6. Orlando. Mickey Mouse loves holidays and Independence Day is no exception. Festivities at World Disney World include parades at the Magic Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios, a patriotic bash at Pleasure Island, and fireworks at Epoct, Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, and Pleasure Island.
7. Provo, Utah. America’s Freedom Festival in Provo calls itself “America’s Largest Independence Day Celebration.” The festivities include a patriotic service, a balloon launch, a parade, and fireworks. The day’s activities are usually broadcast to the troops serving overseas.
8. Columbus, Ohio. Columbus’ “Red, White, and Boom” celebration along the Scioto River in downtown, is the largest July 4th celebration in the Midwest. Festivities include live music, food vendors, a live-radio broadcast, and, of course, fireworks at dusk.
9. Bristol, Rhode Island. Nicknamed “America’s Most Patriotic City,” the people in Bristol have been celebrating Indpedence Day since 1785, making the town’s festivities the longest, continuous, annual July 4th celebration.
10. Williamsburg. Virginia’s living history museum is the ideal place to celebrate the 4th of July. Williamsburg’s fesitivities include a fife and drum militia parade, a patriotic picnic on the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion, and fireworks over the historic area at dusk.
Tags: fireworks, Independence Day, july 4th
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