When it comes to the festivities in the United States, not many come as boisterous and as raucous as the Independence Day celebrations. But where do you go and bona fide, great places to celebrate the annual Republic Day in 2024, the 4th of July? On the one end, there are these huge corporate city parades with cool fireworks going off from launchers presumed to be stuck on huge city boats.
Then there is the country feel of wild-west Republicans rodeos with the barbecue, smoke, and gunpowder olfactory fusion. The options are endless. Wherever you land, one thing is certain: the night sky will become alive with light and colors in an explosion unlike any other.
A word about this though. Keep your ears safe from the sounds of the celebratory and boisterous fireworks, not forgetting in the grill hot dogs as no Independence Day celebration for that opposition is complete without a cookout.
1. Mount Rushmore: South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial comprising four 60-foot granite faces has become synonymous with American independence. Such structures always have the potential for noise and loud activity as a practice, so this is for those who didn’t want any celebrations to be traditional in terms of the big sounds. Picture instead, celebrating Independence Day with a visit to the grand sculpture of the four heads where you can reach out and interact with the statues of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt.
There are staged encounters with the presidents on July 3 and July 4. Live history is shining people dressed as past presidents move around amidst the visitors and even interact seeking autographs from them. Follow any of the presidents to see them give a press conference which is scheduled on July 3 at Carvers’ Marketplace, in addition, ask a question to a president if there is a chance. During the nightfall, at around 9 pm, participate in the nighttime illumination of the sculpture at the amphitheater.
2. New York City, New York
A borough of origin, New York City, every 4th of July is filled with the spirit of America’s birthday. To say that the festivals lack relevance to the country’s history would be an understatement. Take Macy’s Fourth of July Spectacular for instance. The celebration includes breathtaking fireworks that are set off from five barges on the Hudson River. That holiday, which is a tradition of the country celebrated on the eve sky with bright colorful lights, with 65,000 shells in breathtaking performance.
In retrospect, Macy’s fireworks were launched from the East River. If you’re planning to watch this annual event in Manhattan, then you must proceed in the western direction towards the 14th and 34th streets; make sure to find your viewing space soon. The festivities do not stop here, however. Go all the way to Brooklyn’s popular Coney Island and view Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest what a contest of bellies and speed!
Then try to catch a Cyclones baseball game to indulge in some good old American culture. An evening view reveals the Staten Island Ferry slicing through the water in front of Lady Liberty, the flame on her head still aglow. Those awesome stars and stripes will be out in full form, it is a tribute to those who put on the uniform and were the best of the best. Be part of the Travis parade which has been celebrated since 1911 and be where the energy of the city is most vibrant. Fireworks, performances, and other festivities “are not for religious people” NYC on the 4th of July will be hard to forget.
3. Huntington Beach, situated in California
Of the many places in California that celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style, Huntington Beach stands out. This Suburb of Los Angeles which prides itself as the surf capital of the world hosts a classic American celebration that bench warms people from all over the country. 500k people yes you heard me right that number is quintuple milling around a place on a sunny day out in the territory of the Mississippi.
The enthusiasm can be felt in the air. From such a small gathering in 1904, this event has now grown into four days of activities which see 50,000 people in attendance every year. Whether it is the reaches of the city to the surf sprint, a 5 K marathon, or a fun run for children Huntington Beach has it.
In the mind’s eye: there is a parade and a lot of floats on its historic main street and extends to the wonderful atmosphere of the Pier Plaza Festival where live performances, carnival rides, and several food stalls allow one to absorb the whole environment. July 4th week celebrations come to an end at the Huntington Beach Pier. And exactly at 9 00 pm as usual myriads of people await the startling evening of time when powder and letters take up the sky.
4. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Let us visit one of the most vivid parts of the country that embodies American history perfectly – Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Just imagine this: the Capitol building is behind you and actors performing the Declaration of Independence as Thomas Jefferson and other historical figures, in addition to their brave efforts explaining the desire for American independence. Take a tour called Freedom’s Paradox to appreciate the struggle for independence of the Americans but also witness the cruelty of slavery.
When the clock strikes 9:00 pm, all children aged 10 or over will come out to the sounds of drumming and singing hoping for an extraordinary event called the Lights of Freedom, where the drama of the age as well as its complexity is revealed through a spellbinding presentation. The listeners could hear the heroes of America’s struggle for independence singing a military tune which at the end emerged to be a sing-along with all about ‘Oh! say, can you see by the dawn’s early light?
And, at last, as hundreds of thousands of dazzling rockets instantly cover the celebratory air over Market Square, be drawn right into the clue of this beautiful era with George Frideric Handel, Music for the Royal Fireworks.
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Every July 4th, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a habitat of Wild West Americana, explodes with great visual appeal. The holiday extravaganza hits an all-time high during the week-long annual jamboree starting with the traditional community pancake breakfast that takes place at the Town Square. A parade that showcases both regal horses and clowns in a whip will elate the spirit of the day. In a Wild West show, Teton County Fairgrounds is demonstrated probably like the John Wayne movies with a thrilling western-style shootout.
As twilight approaches, the Pro Rodeo commences, and cattle and cowmen get replaced by bucking broncos and cowgirls. And lastly, as night falls, fireworks go up above Teton Village to the delight of all in a fiery display that is unmatched anywhere in the country. The eye-popping scenery of SNOW KING MOUNTAINS AND GRAND TETONS WITH SNOW TOP SURFACE is so remarkable that it cannot be forgotten.
6. Seward, Alaska
Every year Seward, Alaska goes from a population of 3000 to 30000, as people all over the world come to look at those crazy fools who run the Mount Marathon Race. This, however, is not a regular marathon. Beginning in 1915, runners climb and descend the 3022-foot mountain’s peak which is not for the fainthearted since at times they are encumbered by not only the sheer stones, which rough their hands, but also foliage which they occasionally have to pry over on their knees in slogs. It is just not for the weak.
Those who are foolhardy or, there are people who reckon it to be wise all the competitors do not do it for just the title of the winner but the whole glory of it that is, being a person who has ‘run’ the hardest 5k in the world. But yes the fun does not end there.
When the sun is just about to rest on the mid-night horizon the celebration does not cease. Picture a fireworks exhibition in the middle of Resurrection Bay taking place at 12 am and bursting several colors in the night sky. This is how it culminates something that has been so much about races and the feeling that that sweet little port has.
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From its birth to its cradle and even in the very ideals of the American colonists and supporters of the Revolution, Philadelphia the city of key love is always electric on the Fourth of July. It requires a week or even a month to prepare for National Day celebrations! So a long holiday weekend begins already on June 19th and offers a preview of the festivities starting with free museum days, outdoor films, and live performances.
Now, this year in celebration of the 250th birthday of Philadelphia, the determination is raised. On July 2, visit Carpenters’ Hall For a free event. It’s a National Historic Landmark as well, where the First Continental Congress met in 1774 to begin the evolution towards self-governance. Then, on July 4th, 2018, at the Parkway, there will be the Salute to Independence Day Parade at eleven am and an outdoor concert for which Ne-yo and Kesha will perform.
But wait, as the day’s daylight slowly turns into dusking darkness, the grand finale of National Day celebrations approaches: a spectacular fireworks show and a wonderful display of patriotism in Philadelphia on Independence Day – July 4, 2024.
8. Aptos, California
Do not be fooled by the rather modest dimension of this sleepy township by Monterey Bay; Aptos, California has great ways of reveling in America, especially with its charming small town 4th of July parade. Aptos’ Parade is believed to be the world’s shortest parade and attracts most visitors. With a distance of just under 0.6 miles, this a couple of hours long parade isn’t vigorous endurance sports as to celebrate and participate in the beginning and middle.
Completely at 10 am starting at where Soquel Drive and State Park Drive meet, the parade finally leads to Aptos Village Park where both locals, as well as tourists sun themselves on the now fenced serum of ten acres soaking the continued and further events for the rest of the day.
9. Nashville, Tennessee
Hundreds of thousands of visitors have walked inside Aptos, California, which is considered to be a peace-loving village near Monterey Bay, in order to add flavor during the 4th of July however it’s done in a very kitsch way. Most parades boast of their scope, as the world’s shortest parade measures a mere 0.6 miles, Even so, that is where the charm comes in.
The placid town forces nothing upon you, however, be prepared to march the whole length of Soquel Drive to State Park Drive within which all kilometers and all the hours of fun are packed. This occurs until 2 pm after which most of the activities morph into parades that usually start at around 10 am until 2 pm and end in Aptos Village Park where the local people and even the tourists relax and have parties on the 10 acres of green land all day.
10. Addison, Texas
Northeast of Dallas lies Addison, Texas, a bustling suburb awash with excitement every 3rd of July for Kaboom Town, a fireworks extravaganza that attracts visitors and townspeople alike. The number of firecrackers that will be going off during the headliner will have you twisting in your seat and raising your shoulders till the burning fireworks are chased in the dark sky by the eyes.
In order to take in more of the delicious red glare of the rocket or a patriotic air display, you can grab a seat at one of the participating hotels or restaurants hosting watch parties which should be well worth your time because you do not want to miss out on that.
11. Boston, Massachusetts
Of all the places the United States celebrates the nation’s birthday, Beantown perhaps takes the cake. It does not disappoint. But, it’s not just a one-day affair. All the events begin as early as the 30th of June. At DTX (Downtown Crossing), there is an Arts and Crafts market, actors in costumes of the period, and even some of the crew of the oldest floating ship the USS Constitution. You can also listen to the music of the 215th Army Band. The concert at DTX continues on July 1 with free concerts which ends with the Harbourfest fireworks display at 9 pm.
Come July 4, you can join the short processions that wisp away from the city hall plaza and end at the Old State House 1713 where some patriot John Warren would recite the Declaration of Independence. Strolling on these slippery streets, you can see some of the British-American Revolutionary War relics like the Bunker Hill cemetery for Paul Revere.
This is capped off with the annual Boston Pops, Fourth of July, concert, hosted at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the banks of the Charles River. Everyone remains in their seats for an exciting performance of the 1812 Overture with an explosion of fireworks and cannon fire.
It might just be me, but I have to say, this concert is unbelievable! For my part, I have managed to attend it a couple of times, and each time there is no exception, each time sends tingles down my spine.
12. Fire Island Pines
In the summer, Fire Island Pines situated on Long Island turns into one of the most populous LGBTQI+ communities. The event which is key to the cause, the Invasion of the Pines is in remembrance of a summer day in 1976 when a Chester Gove drag queen was trashed from a restaurant in the pines due to her outfit.
That is exactly what happened on the 4th of July, only instead of scaring the drag queens out, those inside the Pines brought them free drinks and compliments! This time it took hundreds of people dressed in immodest clothes who came on a ferry and walked along the red carpet when they reached the Pines Marina crossover by the welcoming crowd.
The runway itself finishes there and the edge spans the bar at the incremental end of the walk to hops. The holiday does not really focus on the end of the occupation, which is the July 4th holiday, but rather on the removal of all the girls!
Conclusion
These include colorful fireworks lighting the night sky, as well as small-town parades, and other aspects of American Independence celebrations that make a deep impression,, in summary, twelve various cities full of culture vary in this aspect.
Philadelphia’s history, Jackson Hole’s frontier life, or the festivity of Fire Island Pines – for every inclination, celebrate the Fourth till the peephole burns in every American heart.
FAQs
What happened on the 4th of July?
Fourth of July is history as it originally passed The Continental Congress to Proposed The Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Intrinsically, it signaled the removal of the 13 colonies from British rule.
What happens every year on the 4th of July?
Independence Day, which is also called the Fourth of July includes additional details as a legal holiday that is observed in the United States every year. This is to honor the adoption of the Declaration of Independence that took place on the 4th of July, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress and as a result, the United States was formed.
What do we celebrate on the 4th of July in India?
While celebrating Independence Day, friends and relatives gather to enjoy the festivities and fireworks on July 4th in the United States of America. The day which falls on the 4th of July each year is in honor of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence which took place in the year 1776 by the second Continental Congress.
How do people celebrate the Fourth of July?
What’s more, they were able to throw that hot oppressive July weather away and brought cooler things to celebrate July 4th. In most neighborhoods, there are actually real fireworks to watch and it gatherings for everybody to come and see them there are kids too and in case you are not with your kids because they are scared of fireworks or you are extra cautious and want to avoid the danger of fire, there is a way of doing.
In which month is August celebrated?
Several public occasions and holidays are observed in the month of July such as World Chess Day, Doctor’s Day, World Sports Journalists Day, Kargil Vijay Diwas, and so on.
Why do we celebrate July 4th?
The British Empire lost either its last drop of patience or its last pockets to the American colonies on 4th July 1776 where in all these 13 nations were effectively ‘sovereign’ as a single nation and went from being a colony and remained as a string of colonies.