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Every summer the United
States comes together as a nation to celebrate its favorite holiday--its birthday. The fourth of July marks the date when America gained its independence
from the British and signed the Declaration of Independence. Since that day in
1783, the celebratory traditions have flourished into what is now one of the greatest
displays of patriotism in the world. Though there are undoubtedly the mainstream
favorite forms of celebration--namely barbecues, parades, and sports games--some locations have decided to step out of that box. Those looking to commemorate
Independence Day in an innovative, exciting way need look no further than these
ten best and most original fourth of July celebrations.
BOSTON
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July Fourth Concert in Boston1
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It seems fitting that the
city of Boston is home
to one of the top ten, as it was central in the American fight for freedom.
The first large-scale revolt against British rule occurred right in the harbor
itself, when the Sons of Liberty dumped more than 90,000 lbs (41,000 kg) of
British tea into the Atlantic Ocean during what is now referred to as the Boston
Tea Party of 1773. Today independence is celebrated during the week-long
HarborFest, a multi-faceted event that showcases the colonial and
maritime heritage character of Boston. The week of the festival spans the fourth
itself, and consists of several main features; Children's Day, several live
concerts, the Party on the Plaza, and Chowderfest, where 12,000 soup tasters
decide which Bostonian restaurant cooks the best clam chowder. Every summer
the city comes alive during this week, and anyone wanting to fully experience
the spirit of this holiday will find it in Boston.
LA JOLLA COVE, CALIFORNIA
For any lover of the outdoors,
this one-of-a-kind July fourth celebration is a must. Bike
and Kayak Tours, Inc. proudly hosts a kayaking event on the night of
Independence Day. Those who take part will set off from the pier at sunset and
paddle in the moonlight to watch the fireworks over La
Jolla Cove. Every year thousands of people gather at the beaches of
La Jolla shore to witness the amazing firework show. Participants in the unique
Bike & Kayak Tours event, however, have the chance to enjoy the holiday
from the water. The paddle will take the group towards the dramatic La Jolla
cliffside, which offers unparalleled views of the cove and of the fireworks.
Open to participants of all ages, this trip is guaranteed to be a memorable
experience.
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| Turquoise
Waters of the Caribbean2 |
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THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS
The islands of St.
Croix, St.
Thomas, and St.
John are the only American-owned lands in the Caribbean.
Renowned for their beaches, crystal blue waters, and delcious rum, these islands
play host to the best-kept party secret of the July fourth weekend. Their own
national celebrations of Emancipation Day--the day slavery was abolished in
the Caribbean--take place July third, meaning that the parties last twice as
long. A getaway is made especially accessible for travelers in the summer season
through reduced flight and hotel rates in the Caribbean. Its their off-season,
so the usually high-priced resorts offer unbelievable deals in July and August.
Those in need of a real vacation over the Independence Day weekend can forgo
the burgers, beer, and barbecues at home and jet to a paradise of palm trees,
beaches, and rum.
NEW ORLEANS
This beautiful and unique
southern city is the nation's hub for old school jazz and blues. The authentic
character of New Orleans
is fully present at its annual celebration of the fourth of July. Go
4th on the River is, in short, a big party along the banks of the Mississippi.
With a touch of Mardi Gras style, the music starts before noon with free concerts
at various spots along the riverfront, from the French
Market to the Riverwalk
Marketplace. At 7:30 pm, the renowned New Orleans Concert Band begin
their show overlooking the Mississippi River, which is followed by a Duelling
Barges fireworks display. After the winner of the duel is announced, the music,
drinking, and parties last well into the night. When a city offers a good party
every other day of the year, it is guaranteed that its celebration of the summer's
biggest event will top any entertainment chart.
ABOARD THE QUEEN MARY
II
This one-of-akind celebration
cruise is an extended five-day Independence Day party. The prestigious Queen
Mary II vessel leaves from New
York City on July third and sails up to Boston to join the HarborFest
celebrations on the fourth. Those on the ship can dance in the club, party on
the deck, and watch the fireworks from the unique standpoint within the harbor.
To add to the celebrations, all passengers can enjoy unlimited champagne until
midnight. The ship then continues to sail up the Atlantic coast the following
day until it reaches Nova Scotia,
a small island province in the Canadian Maritimes. Passengers can explore the
shores of the province before re-boarding the Queen Mary II and sailing back
to New York on July eighth.
PHILADELPHIA
The history-rich streets
of Philadelphia were
the primary stomping grounds of the nation's founding fathers. Serving as the
capital city of the colonies prior to the Revolutionary War, it was here that
America, in idea and in practice, was truly born. Like Bostonians, Philadelphians
dedicate an entire week to fourth of July celebrations. The festival dubbed,
Welcome
America!, entails many events. There is an enormous free concert in
Penn's
Landing featuring several popular musical acts, as well as on-going
food tastings, educational activities, and sports games. On the fourth itself,
the Philedelphian tradition known as Let
Freedom Ring takes place. At this ceremony the descendants of those
who signed the Declaration of Independence ring the liberty bell. The sounds
of celebration reverberate throughout the city all week long, making it an incredible
way to spend the holiday.
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| Fireworks
Over Texas3 |
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HOUSTON, TEXAS
Living up to the claim that
everything is bigger in Texas, the city of Houston
is home to America's largest fireworks display on the fourth on July. The event
has been dubbed Chevy's
Freedom Over Texas, and is themed in authentic Texan country style.
All-day concerts run in the city's premier public venue at Elanore
Tinsley Park, and entertainment is provided by a number of big names
in country music. In the hours prior to the concert, festival-goers can enjoy
a wide array of expositions, activities, and games for the whole family. This
day-long party is not one to be missed by visitors to the Houston area.
MOUNT RUSHMORE
Where better to celebrate
a nation's beginnings than at the site dedicated to its fathers? And Mount
Rushmore, located in the Black
Hills of South
Dakota, isn't just any site. The 60 ft-high (18m) carvings of the faces
of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt
commemorate the first 150 years of American history and the men who shaped them.
Visitors to the area over the fourth of July can experience and take part in
educational programs and entertainment, as well as bands, presidential re-enactors
and children's programs that are scheduled throughout the third and fourth.
With all of the hoopla that now surrounds this holiday, the history and real
importance of the event is often forgotten. Programs offered at Mount Rushmore
work toward ensuring that the history is not lost, while still making sure that
all of the activities are fun and memorable. To top things off, admission to
the park is free at this special time of year.
GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE
True, there are plenty of
parades all over the nation on the fourth of July. So what is it that makes
the one in a small town of Tennessee
any different? Well, it has the unique distinction of being the very first official
parade of Independence Day. Beginning at precisely 12 am on the fourth, bright
lights lining the streets of downtown are set ablaze, and more than 100,000
spectators come to watch the parade. With hundreds of enormous and impressive
floats, there is plenty to see and do along the streets of this small town in
the Smoky
Mountains, and the festivities do not end with the parade! There is
the popular River
Raft Regatta which takes place at noon on July fourth, beginning at
the River
Terrace Bridge on River Road and ending at Ripley’s
Aquarium. This exciting race is a great way for visitors and locals
to engage with the town and have fun outdoors, weather permitting of course.
Finally, the day is topped off with an impressive fireworks display that lasts
from sundown to midnight, rounding out a full 24 hours of celebration.
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Patriot
March in Washington DC4 |
WASHINGTON D.C.
When it comes to the all-American
celebrations of the nation's birthday, her capital city is undoubtedly one of
the forerunners. The week leading up to the big day features an array of events,
including the renowned Smithsonian
Folklife Festival. This festival includes daily programs of music, song,
dance, crafts and storytelling. All elements are in celebration of cultures
and diversity. On July fourth itself, the National
Independence Day Parade takes place, most fittingly, along Constitution
Avenue. The parade includes more than 300 floats and an audience of
over 300,000. There are bands, military and specialty units, and floats, making
it a patriotic, flag waving, red white and blue celebration. Finally, once the
sun sets, the Capitol
Fourth Concert begins with numerous popular artists. At the end of the
night thousands of D.C. natives and visitors flood into the streets of downtown to watch one of the nation's greatest fireworks displays.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Boston 4 Productions;
July Fourth Concert; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Turquoise Waters,
Caribbean
- Celebratory Fireworks;
Texas, USA
- Aaron Engle; Patriot
Match; Washington DC, Maryland, USA
