July 4th fireworks over the Washington Monument.
Fireworks, parades, and backyard barbecues. These are the quintessential symbols and activities of July 4th celebrations in the United States. But while thousands of communities across the country will host Independence Day parties on Saturday, a few cities stand out for the spectacle and popularity of their festivities. Here is a rundown of 10 of the biggest and best Fourth of July celebrations in the U.S.
The Big Three - Washington, New York and Boston
Any list of impressive July 4th events has to begin with some combination of these three cities.
Washington, D.C. - You can't find a more symbolic place to celebrate the country's independence than in the national capital. The day begins in late morning with the National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue and continues into the evening with A Capitol Fourth concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building featuring the National Symphony Orchestra. It culminates with a stunning fireworks display over the Washington Monument. If you have energy between these events, check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall or the National Archives' July 4th Celebration, which includes a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. If you can't make it to Washington, the concert and fireworks are broadcast on PBS.
Boston - Boston is always awash in Independence Day festivities, which is appropriate given the city's status as one of the birthplaces of the American Revolution. The main event is the July 4 Concert and Fireworks Spectacular, which is headlined by the Boston Pops Orchestra and takes place at the Esplanade along the Charles River. The free Pops concert annually attracts several hundred thousand visitors and finishes with a dazzling fireworks show over the river. People can also enjoy the sights and events of the Boston Harborfest or sample the city's best clam chowder recipes at the Chowderfest.
New York City - If you want to see the country's largest fireworks display, you need to head to the Big Apple. This year, New York is going to set off 40,000 shells from six barges on the Hudson River with the dual purpose of celebrating Independence Day and the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's explorations. You can view the Macy's Fireworks Spectacular from land, sea or rooftop. For daytime entertainment, check out the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Seven more great July 4 celebrations
These first three may constitute the most spectacular events, but they're far from the only exciting festivities taking place on July 4. Here are some other celebrations to enjoy:
Philadelphia - The City of Brotherly Love may have even more claim to Revolutionary fame than does Boston, which makes it a great place to celebrate Independence Day. Enjoy a concert at Penn's Landing and a fireworks show over the Delaware River after spending the day reliving American history at Independence National Historic Park, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House and other such sites.
Chicago - President Barack Obama's hometown traditionally goes all out for the Fourth. There are Independence Eve fireworks in Grant Park along the lakefront and July 4 fireworks at the popular Navy Pier. You can also sample the Taste of Chicago, which features a wine garden, music, and food from 60 Chicago area restaurants.
New Orleans - Food and jazz in the French Quarter. The Riverwalk Marketplace. Musical entertainment. Topped off in the evening by New Orleans' distinctive Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza over the Mississippi River. It's all part of the city's popular Go 4th on the River celebration.
San Diego - The Big Bay Boom is a spectacular and popular event, as four barges set off fireworks displays over San Diego Bay. You can also visit the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar Fairgrounds, take in the Fourth of July at SeaWorld event, or enjoy the San Diego Symphony's Star Spangled Pops concert.
Mount Rushmore - One of the most visually interesting fireworks displays takes place every year at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, with pyrotechnics exploding in the nighttime sky over the sculpted rock faces of four of the country's greatest presidents. The 2009 fireworks at Mount Rushmore are scheduled for the night of July 3, however, not for July 4.
Orlando - The City of Orlando, Universal Studios and SeaWorld all have big July 4th celebrations scheduled, but you can never go wrong with the festivities at Disney World, which is planning a fireworks show followed by a "SpectroMagic" parade of lights, music and magic.
San Francisco - There is a Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration at Pier 39, with plenty of opportunities to sample food, listen to music and watch street performers, followed by an evening fireworks show over San Francisco Bay.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons.
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