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What does the 4th of July mean, anyway?
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This is what we have to look forward to tomorrow. Yay.
Quick history question. What historical event is commemorated on July 4th and celebrated as Independence Day in the United States? (Don't cheat by clicking on the link!)
Come on... you should all know this! What's taking you so long? Didn't you pass history in high school? OK, so maybe that was a long time ago, but don't you have enough national pride to remember these things? I'm pretty sure my Indian friend could answer this - although he did just become a citizen, so you'd hope it was still fresh in his mind.
Alright fine. Give up? Well here you go: The 4th of July is the date, way back in 1776, that the colonial government declared themselves independent of the British crown, thereby giving form and substance to the United States of America. Of course, the colonies (a.k.a. "states") had already been at war with the British for a year, but this "Declaration of Independence" made it all official, spelling out the justifications for the rebellion and laying the foundation for the new republic which have influenced political thought on the subject ever since.
But what does this have to do with drinking, you ask?
Alright, I will admit that we started off on the wrong foot here, but I just wanted to make sure that, when you go out tomorrow to grab a celebratory beverage, you know what it is you're celebrating. So now the question is - where do you plan to celebrate American Independence? See, I can help with that as well! If you're looking for something a little more public than that BBQ in your neighbor's backyard, why don't you think about one of these:
- Picnic at the Top
Sure you could go stand around the Inner Harbor with everyone else and enjoy the fireworks, assuming you can see them behind that 6'7" guy who just loves to stand in front of you wherever you go. Why not spend a few bucks and take that elevator to the top of the World Trade Center, right along the water, with one of the best views of Baltimore (and those big explosions) you'll find in the city? So it might cost you a few bucks, but there's free food and an open bar, whereas drinking on the pier might just get you arrested.
The party runs from 7-10pm. Fireworks display starts at 9:30pm, whether you're up high or not.
Tickets cost $75 for adults and $30 for children - Call 410-837-8439 or buy them there.
- The Glorious Fourth: An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July
So you want something a little earlier and maybe more "family friendly"? Well take a gander at this one. Over at Fort McHenry, they're gettin' all historical on us, with Revolutionary War uniforms, musket and cannon fire, fife and drum music, along with dancing and games for everyone. Nothing quite like a little old school entertainment (including a public reading of the Declaration of Independence!) to get you in the patriotic mood.
Festivities run from Noon-4:30pm. Reading at 3pm.
Adult (16 or older) - $7.00, Children (ages 15 or younger) - free
- Star-Spangled Spectacular
Here's a little something for those north of the city, or anyone willing to drive up to Oregon Ridge Park tomorrow night. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra does this every year (and one of these days I'll make it there), but a selection of patriotic-themed music sounds just about perfect for the occasion. Culminating with a huge fireworks display over Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, and Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever, I can only imagine how impressive this will be. Bring a couple bottles of wine and experience it for yourself.
Gates open at 5pm. Concert starts at 8pm.
Advance tickets: $18 for adults and $9 for children under 12 at the BSO Ticket Office, 410.783.8000, 877.BSO.1444 or BSOmusic.org.
If purchased at the gate, tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12.
So, feel free to flaunt your newfound knowledge of our nation's history to every poor sot you run into tomorrow. And don't forget your favorite red, white and blue flag shirt! We all know how much you love to wear 'em, so don't hold back. Get as tacky as you want - hell, it only happens once a year, so you can blame it on the holiday.
Just don't try to play it off when you're wearing that same shirt in October. I'm not buying it, and neither will the American people.
Happy birthday, America!
Mark Burlet
Drunken Intellectual
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