The 10 Biggest Fourth of July Events Across the Country

For those looking for something special to do for an July 4th celebration this year, there are as many different choices as there are parts of the country. From the traditional celebrations in cities like Boston and New York to a rodeo in California, each part of the country celebrates July 4th its own special way. This year is very special, with July 4th coming on a Friday, giving us 3 days to celebrate, enough time to enjoy the communities celebration and still have a family BBQ or picnic.

1. Boston , one of the cities where it all started, has one of the most famous of all the July 4th Independence day celebrations and they share it with the rest of the county. The July 4th fireworks will be broadcast locally on WBZ-TV starting at 9PM and CBS will broadcast it nationally starting at 10:00 pm. It is a two day event this year, with a Fourth of July concert on the Oval starting at 4PM July 3rd. There will be plenty of food available. The concert itself starts at 8:30 PM, but come as early as possible to get the best spot. On July 4th, the Oval is open from 9Am, the concert is at 8:30 and the fireworks follow at 10:30. Besure to check the site and see what is allowed and what is not. Rules will be strictly enforced.

2 New York has a celebration as big as the city. Macy's sponsors what they call the largest fireworks display in the country. There are many places to view the fireworks besides Manhattan, including out on the river in a boat, but boats are restricted as to where they can be. Any place that has a good view of the East River between 23rd and 42 Streets is a good viewing place. For instance, along the river in Hunter's Point and Long Island City in Queens. The fireworks display is not the only thing going on in New York. Bring a radio with you so you can keep up with the entertainment. It will be broadcast on WINS. The fireworks start at 9PM and will be covered by NBC.

3. Philadelphia will have a, eight day Independence Day celebration from June 28th to July 6 - Sunoco. Welcome America. Keep checking the web site for up dates and the exact schedule. These http://www.americasbirthday.com/musicaficionados.asp are just some of what will be going on.

4. Washington D.C PBS will be broadcasting the July 4th Independence Day events from Washington D.C. The place to be to get the best view of the fireworks while being able to attend the annual National Symphony Orchestra concert is the West Front of the Capital building. The place closest to the fireworks is around the reflecting pool between the Lincoln and Washington monuments.
5. San Francisco - Fisherman's Wharf http://www.delmontesquare.com/events_n_entertainment/?event_id=142 The Del Monte Cannery at Fisherman's Wharf will be hosting a family event on July 4th from aa Am to 8Pm. There will be plenty of food, music and family activities like face painting for the kids. It is like one big block party.

6. Arlington Texas is the site of the largest July 4th Independence Day Parade in the Lone Star State. It will be held on July 4th and the theme for 2008 is Celebrating Our Bill of Rights and steps off at 9AM. There have been as many as 70,000 participants, so this will take some time to see.

7. Atlanta has its annual July 4th Independence Day Celebration at Centennial Olympic Park. It is an all day event, with family activities like arts and crafts, face painting, performances, inflatables, stilt walkers, free entertainment in the afternoon and a great view of the Atlanta fireworks at night.

8. Willits, California hosts the largest Rodeo in California on July 4th and there is nothing more American than a rodeo. They also have a huge parade planned that steps off at 11AM.

9. New Orleans . celebrates July 4th with the Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza. Keep checking the web site to see what entertainment is going to be on tap this year.

10. Baltimore played an important part in American history. It was here where the poem that was to become our National Anthem was written. Baltimore is going to celebrate July4th Independence Day with its traditional celebration. The day starts off at 11Am with performances at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater.

There will be a concert by The U.S. Naval Academy Band at the Amphitheater from 8:30-9:30 p.m and the fireworks will be right after. If you cannot make it to the Inner Harbor, the fireworks will be visible from most of downtown.

You will also be able to board and visit the US Coast Guard USCGC Sanibel, Sunday, July 6 from 8-10am. The USCGC Sanibel, a 110 foot cutter, will dock at Pier 1 (Constellation dock).