Popular 4th of July Fireworks Events in the U.S

This year, as on every 4th of July, there will be Independence Day celebrations in cities and towns throughout the nation featuring brilliant displays of fireworks. Here are five of the most popular July 4th fireworks celebrations in the U.S.

Philadelphia
Where could it be more appropriate to celebrate Independence Day than in the city where America declared its freedom in 1776? This year's fireworks display, as it has been for nearly a century, will be above the famed Philadelphia Museum of Art, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

My personal memories of the event and the location go back many years and I've attended many great July 4th fireworks displays there. In addition to the fireworks, scheduled for 10:30 p.m., this year's holiday celebration will include many other events. There will be ceremonies at Independence Square, parades and festival along the Parkway, evening concerts and other Independence Day happenings.

For transportation to the fireworks, parade and Art Museum areas, there will be a special July 4th schedule of the Philly Phlash bus, which goes on a route around all the popular Philadelphia tourist destinations.

Washington DC
One of my most memorable experiences with the 4th of July in Washington happened when our Navy and Marine units marched along with other military groups in the city's Independence Day parade. As they were then, this year's music performances will be at the West Lawn of the Capitol Building. From 8 to 9:30 p.m., musical stars will be performing with the National Symphony Orchestra in PBS's "A Capitol Fourth".

The traditional finale will be the stirring "1812 Overture", featuring Army cannon salutes and a great shower of fireworks over the Capitol and National Mall areas. Admission to the evening programs is free. For instructions on how to get to the Capitol and National Mall area celebrations and fireworks displays, check with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Boston, Massachusetts
Along with Philadelphia, Boston can boast of its historic contributions to American independence. It's where it all started with Lexington, Concord and Paul Revere's ride. This year's July 4th celebrations in Boston will feature stirring music and fireworks at the city's outdoor concert arena by the Charles River, the Hatch Shell.

Nationally known for the Boston Pops Orchestra's 4th of July celebration, the Hatch Shell is an outdoor concert venue next to the Charles River Esplanade near downtown. The program starts at 8:30, and includes Air Force jet flyover, guest performers and ends with the Pops' traditional "1812 Overture", accompanied by fireworks and cannonade The Hatch Shell program is free. The overall celebration is called the Boston Harborfest and it's always one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the whole country. The celebrations kick off June 29.

New York City
The Big Apple's 4th of July fireworks this year will feature six barges launching thousands of colorful shells to explode over the Hudson River, brilliantly lighting up both the New York and New Jersey river sides from Lower Manhattan to Weehawken to Hoboken. The "Gift Of Freedom" themed event is sponsored by Macy's and the music will include gospel, pop, rock and classical by the New York Pops Orchestra. I've attended the fireworks displays in New York City a few times and they are always spectacular.

The West Side Highway will be closed to vehicle traffic, as crowds, musicians, refreshment and other retail stands make it a miles-long block party. The hour-long fireworks and music shows are free, and starting at 9 p.m., will be broadcast live nationally and to military bases around the world on NBC.

San Francisco
Pier 39 on Fisherman's Wharf is San Francisco's best location to watch the annual Independence Day fireworks. The colorful display will be set off starting at 9:30 p.m. from a barge near Pier 39 and from the Municipal Pier, Aquatic Park.

An unusual location where you can see the 4th of July fireworks in the City by the Bay is certainly not known for anything that has to do with freedom. Blue and Gold Fleet tours has a special 4th of July cruise around Alcatraz Island, where once America's toughest criminals served their jail time. The cruise features an evening dinner-dance program, highlighted on deck with close-up views of Alcatraz, the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge, while the exploding fireworks display lights the sky above. Adult tickets are $59 each and they offer a family for two adults and two children for $185.

For San Francisco 4th of July public transportation information, go to the SFMTA's great website, it has public transit informations and schedules, as well as parking, traffic and road closures.

Sources:
Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation - visitphilly.com
PBS - pbs.org
Blue and Gold fleet - blueandgoldfleet.com
Pier 39 - pier39.com
Boston Harborfest - bostonharborfest.com