All across the country, Americans are celebrating Independence Day.
The Midwest's largest fireworks celebration, now in its 28th year, "Red, White and Boom!" takes place in Columbus, Ohio on July 3.
One of the premier patriotic celebrations in America, America's Freedom Festival at Provo started back in the 1870's, more than two decades before Utah became a state. The festival, named one of North America's Top 100 Events by Destinations Magazine, includes a parade and a concert at the Stadium of Fire with teen sensation, Miley Cirus.
The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States dates back to 1785 and takes place in Bristol, Rhode Island. The celebration for the 4th kicks off in May with the annual Miss Fourth of July and Little miss Fourth of July pageants, the excitement builds in June with a Fourth of July Ball for adults at the Blithewold Mansion and finally, the much awaited fireworks display takes place on July 3 above the Bristol Harbor and the celebration culminates with the Fourth of July Parade at 10:30 am on Friday, July 4.
In Anchorage, Alaska, families enjoy daylong activities featuring a combination of cultural and patriotic celebrations. The party starts at 8 am with a hearty charity breakfast benefitting the Salvation Army, allowing families to fuel up for the day-long festivities. The parade starts at 11:00 and is followed by the reading of the Declaration of Independence and a giant family picnic with plenty of food and three stages of continuous music and entertainment.
To plan and book your holiday weekend celebrations, visit www.WomenOnTheirWay.com for travel tips, special packages and deals. Visit now and save an additional 15% on your July 4th hotel stay. Code: 1000005351.
Fun 4th Food Facts:
According to The National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, on Independence Day, Americans will enjoy 150 million hot dogs - enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. over five times. July is National Hot Dog Month and marks the 50th anniversary of The National Hot Dog & sausage Council, who will celebrate with National Hot Dog Day on July 18, 2008.
President Ronald Reagan decreed July as National Ice Cream Month in 1984. At the same time, he also designated the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Cone Day. The International Dairy Food Association also reports the top five flavors of ice cream consumed in the United States are vanilla, chocolate, Neapolitan, strawberry, and cookies n' cream.
My Country Tis of Thee: Facts from the U.S. Census Bureau
There are 31 places nationwide with "liberty" in their name. The most populous one as of July 1, 2006, is Liberty, Mo. (29,581). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.
Eleven places nationwide have "independence" in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Mo., with 110,208 residents.
Road Trip:
The 4th of July topped Thanksgiving as the busiest travel week of the year in 2007 according to Orbitz research; so start planning your July 4 weekend festivities now!
Parades, fireworks and cookouts abound over the holiday weekend. We've scoured the web and come up with some of our nation's hottest celebrations.
Best City Celebrations:
New York City: From hot dog eating contests to concerts and parades, New York offers a wide variety of activities over the July 4 weekend to keep everyone in a patriotic mood! Start your tour of the city on Coney Island at noon for Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Last year's winner ate a world record breaking 66 hot dogs and buns in just 12 minutes!
There are numerous cruises around New York and New Jersey that include dinner, music and dancing as well as great views of the Macy's Fireworks Display. Check out Circle Line's July 4th Cruise, New York Waterway July 4 Cruise or the World Yacht July 4th Cruise for tickets and details.
The Macys Fireworks Display takes place over the East River and although you can catch the show from pretty much anywhere in the city, a great spot for family to take in the show is Roosevelt Island. Tickets are $18; children under 3 are free but must be seated in a parent's lap. Food is available although you can bring your own - as long as it's in a backpack or something that can be stored under your chair or in you lap. There is a live band from 6:00 until the fireworks start.
Washington DC: Celebrate Independence Day at the Nation's Capital. America's National Independence Day Parade starts at 11:45 at Constitution Ave. and 7th St. and features marching bands, floats and more. Following the parade, enjoy a free live concert on the Capitol's West Lawn, "A Capitol Fourth". Bring along a picnic and get comfy, as the fireworks that conclude the day-long celebration can be viewed from the lawn and being around 9:20.
Just want to enjoy the fireworks as a couple? Why not take a tour on the Spirit of Washington for the Fireworks Dinner Cruise? The tour includes an open bar, buffet, great music and a spectacular view of the fireworks over the Washington Monument.
Chicago, IL: The Taste of Chicago festival, held for two weeks in Grant Park, attracts millions of visitors with great food, awesome fireworks and world-class live music. The festival features free concerts every night, talent contests and rides and entertainment for the kids. This year, rocker John Mayer will take the stage at 3:00 on Independence Day.
After the concert, head over to Navy Pier for amusement park rides, live entertainment, dinking and mini-golf. A frequent spot for fireworks, you can catch them here every Wednesday and Saturday night during the summer, the July 4th show takes place over the lake around 9:30.
Boston, MA: Bostonians take their celebrating seriously! The Independence Day celebration starts on July 3 with a free concert on the Esplanade on the Charles River, followed by both a concert and the spectacular nationally broadcast fireworks show on July 4.
If you can start the festivities early, head into Boston on July 2 for Children's Day. Participating in the wide variety of fun, yet educational activities are the New England Aquarium, The USS Constitution Museum and Historic New England. The day also includes juggling acts, live music and even a kid's sail on aboard the Liberty Clipper.
