Top July 4 events across the United States


Although many people view Memorial Day as the American holiday that unofficially kicks off summer, it could be argued that the Fourth of July is summer's biggest, best holiday.

Gatherings often involve hot dogs and hamburgers and ice cream, not to mention those colorful explosions in the sky, otherwise known as fireworks.


While small towns and counties throughout the USA celebrate the country's birthday with these light-up-the-sky displays, there are a number of stand-out events in destinations around the country.

Check out these big July 4 events sure to please the fireworks fan, parade seeker and eating-contest enthusiast.

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

2018 marks the 42nd year of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show. More than three million spectators across three of New York City's boroughs -- Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens -- will watch the spectacle, which takes place over the city's East River.
But that's just a quarter of the number of people who'll be watching the display from their televisions.

Kelly Clarkson is scheduled sing "God Bless America" in honor of the song's 100th anniversary, and this year viewers can expect to see neon pinwheels, swirling water fountains, ghosting fans and pulsing hearts.

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, New York, New York

Washington, D.C.,Fourth of July Celebration

Big and Loud: This is how Washington's National Mall Fireworks are described on the National Park Service's website. Snagging a spot on the coveted steps of the Lincoln Memorial won't be easy, but it will be worth it.

Still, there are plenty of viewing areas in and around the D.C. area on July 4 -- try one of the city's rooftop bars or catch them from across the river in Arlington -- if you'd prefer to avoid the massive crowds sure to be gathered in the National Mall area.

There will be music, too. On the West Lawn of the US Capitol, enjoy "A Capitol Fourth," a live concert co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Symphony Orchestra. Host John Stamos will be joined by Jimmy Buffet, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, Luke Combs, CeCe Winans and many other musical acts. It will be broadcast live on PBS from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET.

Washington, D.C., 4th of July Celebration, Washington, D.C.

Granbury's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

Presented by the Granbury Chamber of Commerce in this Texas town, about 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth, the 4th of July celebration is a two-day affair. You can bet this means there's a lot more than just fireworks on the agenda.

CEO Mike Scott says they're expecting somewhere around 50,000 people to attend the events, but he noted that the parade alone draws a crowd upward of 20,000 folks.
Those are impressive numbers for a town with a population of less than 10,000.


The celebration takes place in the historic townhouse square. Purchase a beer from one of the bars on the square's perimeter (open containers are OK here), before grabbing a bite from one of the many popular food vendors. From turkey legs to fruit kabobs drizzled in chocolate to classic Filipino dishes, the food scene is a draw in and of itself.

Granbury's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, Granbury, Texas

Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks

Boasting 50 free events in celebration of America's birthday, Philadelphia's 4th of July celebration doesn't mess around.

Museum lovers will appreciate the pay-what-you-wish admission to some of the city's most popular museums, and attractions such as the National Museum of American Jewish History, and music lovers won't want to miss a second of the (free!) outdoor concerts.

The main events are, of course, the fireworks displays -- and, yes, that is displays, plural. Catch the first show over the Delaware River waterfront and the second above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This year's second show is said to have "all-new special effects."

Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Each year on July 4, the famed Boston Pops Orchestra puts on a patriotic music and fireworks show that sets the standard for the United States. This beloved event is free, and gates open three hours before the show.

If you're a fan of singer and dancer Rita Moreno, then this year should be a special treat. The "West Side Story" star is making a special appearance, along with the Indigo Girls, Rhiannon Giddons, Natalie Cortez and Rachel Platten.

If you can't make the July 4 show or just want to attend something less packed, there's a concert minus the fireworks on July 3.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, Boston, Massachusetts

The Hot Dog Eating Contest

Last year's winners of Nathan's hot dog eating contest, men's champion Joey Chestnut and women's champion Miki Sudo, ate 72 and 41 hot dogs, respectively. It was Chesnut's 10th Mustard Belt; will this year make it 11?

Postingan populer dari blog ini

'Star Wars' locations that actually exist

Gambar
Plenty of people dream of travel to other planets. But "Star Wars" fans can actually visit locations where many of the films' most famous scenes were shot. And the latest movie, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," only adds to the list. Some places aren't even as remote as one might expect. From dinner at Luke Skywalker's childhood home to a romantic balcony where romance blossomed, here are some of the destinations where "Star Wars" comes to life: Puzzlewood, Gloucestershire, England Meandering paths. Mossy rocks. Twisted trees and gulleys. No wonder Puzzlewood, which sits in the Forest of Dean not too far from Wales, is such a draw. And not just for "Star Wars." You've also seen it in "Merlin," "Doctor Who" and other TV and film productions. But it's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" that's really put Puzzlewood on the travel map. Hotel Sidi Driss, Matmata, Tunisia Perhaps the most
Baca selengkapnya

Which country has the best food?

Gambar
We love to write about food. We love to celebrate the good stuff and lambaste the bad. This is our take on some of the best food cultures and destinations, but of course it's subjective. It's time to find out once and for all, which cuisine is king as you plan where you'll travel next. 1. United States This may be because most of the popular foods in the USA originate in some other country. The pizza slice is Italian. Fries are Belgium or Dutch. Hamburgers and frankfurters? Likely German. But in the kitchens of the United States, they have been improved and added to, to become global icons for food lovers everywhere. Don't neglect the homegrown American dishes either. There's the traditional stuff such as clam chowder, key lime pie and Cobb salad, and most importantly the locavore movement of modern American food started by Alice Waters. This promotion of eco-awareness in food culture is carried on today by Michelle Obama. Yum Cheeseburger -- a
Baca selengkapnya

A perfect day in Brazil's aquatic Eden

Gambar
Unfortunately, miracles are hard to come by in this thing we call life, but if the opening of a sea turtle nest doesn't make you a believer, precious little ever will. Projeto Tamar, the Brazilian organization dedicated to the plight of the native sea turtle, usually tries to keep the opening of nests on the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha a private affair. Luckily, I'm privy to insider information on this perfect piece of protected paradise in the Atlantic that's 326 miles off the northeast coast of Brazil. My wife has worked with ecotourism in Brazil's best-kept secret for nearly two decades. She often gets a heads-up when nest openings -- a little something I like to call tropical Christmas -- are about to go down at this destination. Green sea turtle nests line the golden sands on Praia do Leão and the island's inner sea beaches between December and June. Anticipation builds as Tamar's biologists slowly dig their hands into the sun-toasted
Baca selengkapnya