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How is the birth of the United States celebrated?
- The birth of the United States is celebrated in many different fashions across this massive country, from small town parades to big city firework displays to military airshows to food eating competitions and nearly everything in between.
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How do people choose to spend the holiday?
- Some folks choose to spend the holiday outdoors, camping in nature and enjoying the solitude that national parks have to offer.
- Others choose to spend it on vacation in a city, seeing the sights and experiencing tourist attractions.
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1. Addison Kaboom Town, Texas
Enjoy fireworks and live music during this exciting annual celebration.
One of the best Independence Day celebrations you will ever see takes place annually in Addison. Called Addison Kaboom Town, these remarkable celebrations are attended by approximately 500,000 people each year. If you are planning on visiting on July 4th, it's a good idea to book tickets and a hotel package right now. The festivities include the jaw-dropping Addison Airport Air Show, where aerial stunt artists, parachute jumpers and vintage airplanes compete for your attention. The wonderful air show is followed by a very impressive fireworks show at the Addison Circle Park. The fireworks are preceded by several live bands who continue to entertain visitors after the fireworks display. Kaboom Town is a 4th of July party you should not miss.
2. Wisconsin Dells, WI
Explore thrilling waterparks and scenic boat tours on a fun family getaway.
Guests seeking waterpark adventures, camping opportunities, and a traditional midwest getaway for their Fourth of July should certainly include Wisconsin Dells on their itinerary of summer fun. Wisconsin Dells, WI, located in southern Wisconsin, is situated on the Wisconsin River in a region of the state known for its glacier formed sandstone landscape. The city is home to many water parks, theme parks, and entertainment centers that are fun for the whole family. For guests who want to spend more time in nature, Mirror Lake State Park is the perfect getaway into the great outdoors of camping, hiking, and biking trails.
3. Bar Harbor, ME
Walk along coastal trails and savor seafood on a relaxing summer trip.
Close proximity to Acadia National Park and typical pristine summer weather makes spending Independence Day in Bar Harbor, ME an easy decision to make. The day is filled with a large selection of events that are open to the whole family, and most importantly the day begins with an optional Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Bar Harbor Rotary Club. A large Independence Day Parade takes place in the early morning, and following that you can partake in a seafood festival, concerts, fireworks, and many other celebrations. Bar Harbor is a popular destination for the Fourth of July, however, so it is heavily recommended that guests planning to stay in the area book their accommodations many months in advance.
4. Telluride, CO
Ski scenic slopes or explore hiking trails for an adventurous winter escape.
Independence Day in Telluride kicks off with the Telluride Foundation Rundola, a recreational foot race to raise funds for the foundation. Following the race is the Telluride 4th of July Parade, which typically begins around eleven in the morning on Main Street. The sidewalks fill up early so it is recommended to arrive early for a good spot. After the parade is the Telluride Fireman’s BBQ held in Town Park, a dinner of BBQ and sides, and all proceeds of this event support local fire brigades. To cap off the evening after the sun sets is the firework show that takes place above Town Park, but the spectacle can be seen from anywhere in town.
5. Block Island, RI
Discover lighthouses and bike quiet roads during a peaceful romantic weekend.
Block Island, RI is no stranger to summertime celebrations, from beach campfire cookouts to festivals and parades, locals and visitors to the island know how to have fun under the sun. The celebration of Independence Day is no different, and it kicks off with a large parade that always starts at Veterans Park. Guests spectating the event are advised to show up early to secure a spot along the parade route to watch all of the floats pass by. After the parade, as is tradition on Block Island, there is an Annual Steak Fry to benefit the local fire department. Oftentimes there are fireworks being shot off through the afternoon and into the evening, as well as bonfires, beach cookouts, and plenty of music to go around.
6. Bozeman, MT
Visit local museums and hike mountain trails on an affordable nature trip.
Given its close proximity to Yellowstone National Park, it is almost certain that Bozeman, MT will be a popular destination for the Fourth of July. With a wide array of events happening during the celebration, from parades to large cookouts, fireworks to horse shows, and many things in between, guests to this Montana town will certainly find enough entertainment to keep them busy. Weather during the month of July is typically ideal for camping and hiking in Montana, so families that are seeking an outdoor adventure can take the short drive to Yellowstone and enjoy all that the park has to offer before or after their Independence Day celebration.
7. New Braunfels, TX
Tube the river and explore German heritage for a fun kids adventure.
A short drive from the Gulf of Mexico and an even shorter drive from San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX is a unique town in Texas that heavily celebrates its German heritage with building, customs, and traditions. However, that won’t stop this all American town from celebrating Independence Day with an annual parade full of floats, performers, and music. Participants who wish to be directly involved can submit applications, and those who only want to watch are advised to arrive early to secure a good place to watch from the sidewalk. The parade moves throughout downtown, making it easy for guests to the area to explore the many local businesses and restaurants after the parade.
8. Lake Tahoe, CA
Ski powdery slopes or hike lakefront trails during a scenic winter retreat.
Huge crowds flock to Lake Tahoe, CA every year to celebrate the Fourth of July and enjoy sandy beaches, community events, food and drink specials at various restaurants, and firework shows that take place all around the lake. As is tradition at Lake Tahoe, typically the daytime of Independence Day is filled with suntanning, cookouts, and other beach related activities while crowds wait for the sun to set and the fireworks to begin. The firework show itself is choreographed to music that is broadcast through local radio stations, and the lights can be seen from nearly anywhere in town.
9. Nashville, TN
Enjoy live country music and explore historic sights on a quick weekend.
Nashville, TN delivers on Independence Day celebrations with live music, parades, fireworks, food, fun, and entertainment for the whole family. Given that Nashville is a popular destination with well known attractions, it is recommended to book lodging ahead of time and to purchase any specific concert tickets that you may need for individual performances. For families travelling with active children, the July 4th Family Fun Zone is the perfect destination, and on Independence Day it is free and open to the public. Children can play on a large assortment of inflatables, including slides, obstacle courses, bouncing houses, and more.
10. Philadelphia, PA
See iconic landmarks and savor Philly cheesesteaks on an easy historical trip.
With historic roots that trace back to the original Independence Day of the United States, Philadelphia, PA is host to an extensive Independence Day celebration that often stretches over many days. The main events, however, all take place on July 4th and include The United States of America Independence Day Parade, popular free concerts, fireworks, and oftentimes free access to many of the local museums. The day ends, of course, with a dazzling firework display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art once nighttime has come, and the fireworks themselves are accompanied by a powerful soundtrack that includes energetic music and powerful quotes throughout the performance.
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