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Do you feel 233 years old Phoenix?
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Not your city or you…your country. The continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.jpg)
on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia amid a flurry of activity amongst the 13 colonies. Seems like 9 voted in favor; Pennsylvania and So. Carolina said no; Delaware undecided and New York abstained. Thomas Jefferson had presented his first draft at the end of June to a Congress that was trying to deal with the wrath of King George III.
Well, it all came together, as we know, and the signing began the afternoon of July 4th. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed first “with a great flourish” designed for King George to read without his specs. It was published for the first time in the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6. The Post, a triweekly at the time, became the nation’s first daily newspaper on May 30, 1783 in Philadelphia.
What is interesting is that there were 56 signers to the Declaration of Independence, and the signing wasn’t completed until August. The first public reading didn’t occur until July 8, and it was held at Philadelphia’s Independence Square. Inside Independence Hall was a bell named the “Province Bell,” which would later be renamed the “Liberty Bell.” But everyone decided with all these delays and different dates, America’s independence would still be observed on July 4th.
Fireworks sellers across the country hope it translates into neighborhood backyard parties because of the bad economy and a need to express our patriotism for a nation that has been going through so many crises. Of course that doesn’t include Arizona because fireworks are illegal in Arizona. Period. It is against the law to even have them in your possession, much less fire them off. And that includes any “combustible or explosive composition, substance or combination of substances” that can be detonated.
So what are Phoenix residents supposed to do? Join the public displays at Tempe Beach Park or Steele Indian School Park.
Unfortunately, the Glendale July 4th celebration has been cancelled due to budget cuts. Tempe charges for entry but the Phoenix festivities are free, and both have entertainment. You can get all the specifics for attending both under “More Info,” below. And to get in either direction, there is Valley Metro Light Rail. See schedules and Park and Ride info below.
OK. You’ve made up your mind to go but decided to drive, and anticipate that you just might decide to have a few drinks during the celebration. Don’t leave home without a designated driver. Here’s what you’re up against if you do and get nailed for a DUI. First of all, the cops will probably be out in force doing field sobriety and chemical tests. The idea is to .jpg)
keep the drunks from killing or maiming someone in an accident caused by impaired driving. In all states that’s a blood-alcohol concentration level of .08, at which you are drunk in the eyes of the law.
In Arizona there’s zero tolerance for those drinking and driving under the age of 21, and if you’re at a level of .15 or over, there are harsher penalties imposed. You can lose your driver’s license, and be ordered into mandatory education and treatment programs. Arizona orders an ignition interlock breath-testing device installed in your car on the 2nd offense, and on the 3rd, they can confiscate your automobile. What a happy ending to a great 4th.
It is inevitable that a few must suffer the consequences—actually it isn’t if those “few” just used common sense—but it doesn’t.jpg)
have to happen to you. Happy 4th of July!
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