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Fourth of July Fireworks Celebrations Across the USA 4th of July Events Indepencence Day Parties

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Complete guide to 2009 Fourth of July clebrations across the country in major cities, plus lakes andd rivers.



Fourth of July Celebrations in the USA
Independence Day in American Cities, Beaches, and Lakes


Huge events like the Chase Family Fourth in Seattle light up the sky.
Photo:Chase Family Fourth.


Americans celebrate their independence with fireworks across the USA.

From sea to shining sea – and over the beaches, through the rivers and lakes and beyond – Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style befitting such a large country.

Independence Day – as it's known by its more formal title – involves fireworks and friends and/or families, backyard barbecues and beer, parades and parties, a day at the ol' ballpark, or, at the beaches, martinis and bikinis.

It's sporting Uncle Sam costumes, waving the Stars & Stripes, singing the national anthem and wearing red, white and blue. This is a much-anticipated multi-day event with the Fourth being the natural pinnacle of celebration. In 2009, the holiday is on Saturday, surely spawning a plethra of parties for the entire weekend.

So strike up the band and read about where to spend the Fourth of July 2009 in the great US of A.

This article focuses on the major party places for Independence Day. It features city celebrations around the country, the best boat parties on the rivers and lakes and sports the key sporting events. It includes essential information, times and places of fireworks shows, links to official event websites and/or city sites (the ones without links either don't have specific event websites or the city's websites are so weak they offer little helpful information). A separate article on the Fourth of July in Los Angeles can be found at this link.

USA City Celebrations –


The show at the Rose Bowl is the biggest fireworks performance in L.A.

• BALTIMORE – All-day event starting at noon with entertainment at Inner Harbor Amphitheater located at Light and Pratt streets.
Fireworks: Inner Harbor. Watch from Federal Hill, Fell's Point, Canton and Rash Fiel. Or the Top of the World Trade Center ($5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children).

• BOSTON – Annual concerts held July 3 and 4 on the Esplanade. Charles River between the Longfellow and Mass Ave., bridges on both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. The Oval is the area in front of the Hatch Shell. People and boats pack the area. Park opens at 9 a.m., concerts both days 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Concessions:
Food and merchandise.
Cost:
Free First come, first serve for best seating.
Fireworks: July 4, 10:30-11 p.m. .Event Website.
Boston Harborfest.
June 30-July 5. A multi-day event along the waterfront that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of Boston and the American Revolution. The starting point is City Hall Plaza across from Faneuil Hall. Daily concerts on City Hall Plaza (times vary but roughly noon-7 p.m.; Friday features a Souled Out, Mowtown and More ((7-9:30) with music on July 4, 2-5:15 p.m.). A food highlight is Chowderfest on July 5, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., which crowns Boston's Best Chowder to a deserving restaurant (PubClub.com has our own #1 choice for best chowder).
Cost: Free. Chowderfest is $10, $7 for children under 12.
More Information: Event Website.

• CHICAGO – Taste of Chicago, June 25-July 5. Grant Park.
Event:
More than 70 participating restaurants, plus live music. Open 11 a.m-9 p.m. (9:30 p.m., on July 3 & 4). The busiest day is always Saturday and with the Fourth falling on that day this year, it will be packed. With 6 million visitors, the Taste of Chicago is the city's marquee event of the summer.
Music:
Daily headliners include the Counting Crows (June 27) and the Barenaked Ladies (June 30).
Food: Chicago pizza and ribs (of course), alligator, cheesecake and cheeseburgers, cheeseburgers from that famous place. Food and drink tickets are $5.50 for a strip of 11. Food: 7-9 tickets.
Drink: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are sold on-site. Tickets are sold in strips of 12 for $8. Beer: 7 tickets.
Cost:
Free.
Fireworks:
July 3, 9:30 p.m, launched from Moroe Harbor. Also can be seen from Navy Pier. Independence Eve concert, 8:30 p.m.
More Information:
City of Chicago Event Website.
Navy Pier Fireworks: July 4. Starts 9:30 p.m. 10-minute show set to patriotic music. The Navy Pier also has fireworks displays every Sunday and Wednesday from Memorial Day thru Labor Day, on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
More Information:
(312) 595-7437. Navy Pier Fireworks Website.


Fireworks in Long Beach over the harbor and the Queen Mary.

• LOS ANGELES – The biggest fireworks show is at the Rose Bowl but the biggest parties are at the beach. So take your pick. Or apply this knowledge: families go to the Rose Bowl – or for fireworks in Long Beach or Marina del Rey – and single partiers head for the beach.
The Rose Bowl:
Concessions inside and outside the stadium beginning at 2 p.m. The the Drum Corps International performs inside the stadium at 7; fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking: $15. Rose Bowl admission $13, $25 for preferred seats, kids under 7 free (no alcohol sold inside). Tailgate beforehand at "the backstop" outside of the Rose Bowl's signature entrance. This event attracts 25,000+ people.
More Information: (626) 577-3101. Rose Bowl "Amerifest" Website.
Long Beach Fireworks:
Two locations to watch: downtown and the Belmont Pier, both offering a combination of family fun and young adults. Downtown fireworks over the Queen Mary can be seen from several places along Marina Green and the patios of the seaside bars in Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor (free). Part of the two-month Long Beach Sea Festival. 9 p.m. Midway, food court and more Fri-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Marina Green. Viewing from the Belmont Pier includes a food court and beer garden; fireworks 9 p.m.
More Information:
Long Beach Sea Festival Website.
Marina del Rey Fireworks:
Annual event over the main channel attracts thousands; best place to view is Chase Park where music to the fireworks is played over loudspeakers. Fireworks begin 9 p.m. Earlier in the day, there's a parade in adjacent Westchester, from Loyola Blvd. to Loyola Marymount University.
More Information:
Event Website.

For activities on the Southern California beaches, scroll below.


Summerfest combines a huge music festival with the holiday.

• MILWAUKEE – Rolled into the World's Largest Music Festival, Summerfest, there are fireworks over the water. Huey Lewis and the News headine on the 4th. During this 11-day festival, which runs June 25-July 5, 700 bands play on 11 stages. Other notable acts are Bon Jovi (June 25), KISS (June 27), Stevie Wonder (June 28), George Strait (June 29), Chicago with Earth Wind and Fire (June 30), Bob Dylan with Willie Nelson (July 1), No Doubt (July 2), Kenny Chesney (July 3), are among the bands on the Fourth. Concessions, bars, the works. $15.
More Information: Read our writeup on Summerfest. The Summerfest Website is here.

• MINNEAPOLIS – The Taste of Minnesota. July 2-5. Harriet Island Regional Park. Minnesota's' largest festival features live music, an amusement park, food and fireworks.
Fireworks: July 4, 10:15 p.m. (Every night, too.)
Music:
Lineup includes Judas Priest (July 3), Elvis Costello (July 4) and Bret Michaels (July 5).
Food:
Snacks, Hamburgers, spare ribs (plus cole slaw and cornbread), Italian sausage sandwiches, bratwurst, gyros, burritos, American fair food (corn dogs!) and dessert (chocolate covered cheesecake, ice cream, sundaes)
Cost:
Free.
More Information:
Official Event Website.

• NEW YORK CITY – New York is so big they have to launch fireworks from three locations. which together comprise the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks over the Manhattan skyline.
Fireworks:
Fireworks will be launched from the East River between 23d and 42nd streets. Visible in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Live on NBC at 9 p.m, with fireworks at 9:20. People will begin to gather at 7 p.m.
Other Events:
Hot dog eating contest at Nathan's on Coney Island (for best viewing, arrive by 11 a.m.). More than 30,000 people watched it in 2006 and the event is televised on ESPN. There are Fourth of July parades in Port Jefferson, Southampton and Southhold and fireworks in Jones Beach State Park, in Mantauk at Umbrella Beach and Shelter Island on Crescent Beach.

• PHILADELPHIA – Multi-day event, running from June 26-July 5, with concerts, two nights of fireworks, the Taste of Philadelphia (June 26-28, Penn Landng waterfront) and an Independence Day parade.
Independence Day Events:
Independence Day ceremony, Independence Hall, 10 a.m,, (parade route is new this year beginning on Chesnut Street and ending on Market Street), the "ringing" of the Liberty Bell, 2 p.m., Party on the Parkway, Ben Franklin Parkway, 2-7 p.m. Fourth of July parade, Ben Franklin Parkway, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Fireworks:
Cheryl Crow performs in what the city calls the largest free concert in America,, followed by fireworks. Benjaman Franklin Parkway, 8-11 p.m.
More Information: Official Event Website.


The crowd at the Chase Family Fourth. Photo: Chase Family Fourth.

• SEATTLE – In a show of true American spirit, Seattle combines a barbecue, festival and a beer garden into its Fourth of July scene. Called the Chase Family Fourth and held at Gas Works Park, it's topped by fireworks set to music over Lake Union. Simultaneously, another celebration takes place at Myrtle Edwards Park, the Jul-Ivar's over Elliott Bay. This used to be an all-day party but is now confined just to the fireworks (no alcohol allowed).
Concessions:
At the free ChaseFamily Fourth, it's hot dogs, pizza, corn-on-the-cob, gyros, and "elephant ears" and non-alcoholic beverages. Coolers are allowed for personal picnics and people are free to use BBQs inside the park. No alcohol can be brought in, but that's where the beer garden, with a view of the lake, comes into play. Be sure and bring the i.d. Noon-10 p.m.
Beer Garden:
Noon-9:30 p.m.
Fireworks: Starts at 10 p.m. Also can be seen from the Space Needle's Observation Deck and SkyCity Restaurant at a price – $35 for adults, $15 for children.
More Information:
Official WaMu Family Fourth Event Website.

• WASHINGTON, D.C. – The nation's capitol naturally makes a big deal out of the Fourth.
Events: America's Independence Day Parade, 11:45 a.m., starting at National Mall and moving down Constitution Ave., between 7th and 17th streets. Marching bands, floats, military units and VIPs. Attracts 500,000 spectators. Popular music groups play from mid-afternoon until the fireworks. The National Symphony Orchestra, with guest stars and soloists, performs at 8 p.m. Washington, D.C., is PubClub.com's choice as the #1 Place to Visit in 2009.
Fireworks:
The fireworks are over the Washington Monument. Bands leads up to the main show, a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m., and last approximately 30 minutes with the orchestra playing the 1812 Overture and live cannon fire from the US Army Presidental Salute Battery. Viewing at the National Mall. Some prefer to watch from the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. PBS will televise the show. Gates open 5 p.m.
Cost: Free.

• WILLIAMSBURG, VA – Actors portray life in the days leading to the revolution in the town and historic houses. Fireworks at dusk.

Fourth of July Beach Parties –


Bikinis and martinis – The 4th at American beaches is a party.

• LOS ANGLES BEACHES: Hermosa, Manhattan Redondo Beaches – All up and down the Strand - particularly in party-hearty Hermosa – people gather at houses along the beach. Some are small gatherings while others are huge keggers with live bands. Strap on the rollerblades, hop on the bike or just walk and enjoy. Alcohol is technically not permitted on the Strand or on the beach, though concealment in plastic containers is usually tolerated. This will start on Friday, July 4 and continues the entire weekend. Fireworks are launched from the Redondo Beach Pier, El Segundo and Marina del Rey; often all three can be seen from single vantage point.

• ORANGE COUNTY, CA – According to "Mister OC," the palce to party is the singles-friendly Newport Beach. For years the city has closed the Newport Peninsula to control the hundreds of parties that spring up on this festive day. Every block in every location has what seems like an endless series of booze, beautiful tanned bodies, cutting edge music and raucous fun!. You'll see live bands, kegs stacked high, lots of tanned bods, and more action than you can absob, all within a block or two of the expansive Newport Beach coastline. Enjoy, but don't drink on the streets!

Just up the coast, Huntington Beach hosts the largest Fourth of July parade west of the Mississippi draws 250,000 people (starts 10 a.m.). Afterward, Pier Plaza Expo at the foot of the HB Pier is worth taking in, featuring entertainment and street vendors all day into the evening. Many private parties abound in the local area; just cruise around and you'll spot them, always under the watchful, wary eyes of the local PD lest things get a little too rowdy. The day settles into night with a huge fireworks display at dusk, over the water, just an epic presentation with hundreds of boats and 100,000 viewing on the shore.

More Information: Mister OC Website. Also, PubClub's Los Angeles Fourth of July Party Guide.

• PACIFIC BEACH, CA (SAN DIEGO) – The young and fun seaside community is much like Manhattan/Hermosa and Newport in that it's a year-round party. But on certain occasions like the Fourth of July it gets absolutely nuts. Case in point: A group organizes an annual beach party consisting of beer pong, canopies, a 30-foot flag pole, tubs of beer, grills, a generator, PA system, blenders, slip & slide... Well you get the picture. In all about 1.5 million people are surfside in PB (as it's known to locals) and neighboring Mission and Ocean beaches.
More Information: Pacific Beach Bars & Restaurants.

• ST. PETERSBURG, FL. – Fourth of July @ the Pier. Billed as a family event, it opens at 5 with concessions the Community Concert Band at 7 p.m., and fireworks at 8:30 over the bay.
More Information:
Event Website.

Down On the River –


Austin's Lake Travis and Indy's Geist Reservoir are best for boat drinks.
(Bottom photo: LakeTrash.com)

•  LAKE TRAVIS, AUSTIN TEXAS– The ultimate party place on the water is here. Lake Travis is great anytime but holiday weekends are absolutely off the hook. It's a party at Devil's Cove, where boats tie up and all the ladders are down. Houseboats have kegs, DJs, sometimes even bands. Then follow the crowd to Carlos & Charlies. There's no more better party in America than Lake Travis.
More Information: PubClub's photos & party guide.

• LAKE LEWISVILLE, DALLAS – Another typical titanic Texas water bash. The "cove party" is the place, then it's onto the bars (Charlie's and Sneaky Pete's; people make river runs between the two). But be on the alert for the "new" boaters who have more money than brains. Don't have a boat? No problem; they rent for as little as $55 an hour.
More Information: Lake Lewisville Website.


It's a pretty – and pretty good – Fourth party near Indy. (Photo: LakeTrash.com)

• GEIST RESERVOIR, INDIANAPOLIS – Live Music, 30,000 fireworks, and a houseboat full of funare part of the show for the Best Fourth of July Party. It's hosted by the cleverly-named LakeTrash, a social club and merchandise provider, 9406 Promontory Circle, Indianapolis.
Music:
Hoosier-born singer-songwriter Rich Hardesty.
Food & Beverage: This will be a fully catered event with beverages included.
Fireworks: The 30,000 firework display will start at 10 p.m
Cost: VIP Lake Trash members admitted at no cost. The Lake Trash VIP membership fee is $69.00 and can be paid at the door of the party.
More Information: (317) 823-9169.

• LAKE HAVASU, ARIZONA – This is a place that gets so crowded people can practically walk across the water. Of course, that's because there are so many boats it can be an effort actually getting into the water.
Lake Havasu Party Guide.

• LAKE OF THE OZARKS, CENTRAL MISSOURI. A popular spot for Midwestern aquatic party seekers. There are fireworks shows at the Horney Toad Entertainment Complex, the Four Seasons, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Morgan County Fairgrounds/ City Park (Versailles, MO), and a Family Fun Day at Eldon Air Park (Eldon, MO). The Horney Toad, Four Seasons and Tan-Tar-A Resort are in the heart of the Lake of Ozarks and are located just 15 minutes from each other. For singles, the place to be is the Horny Toad (Lake Ozark, MO), while the Four Seasons and Tan-Tar-A are also vibrant, mostly with famlies.
More Information: Lake of the Ozarks Event Website.

Sporting Events–


See our "ballparks and beer" guide to Fenway Park.

•  BASEBALL, A DAY AT THE 'OL BALLPARK – Baseball, hot dogs and peanuts are a perfect way for many to pass the day (dads and sons especially). Home teams on the Fourth are: Angels, Red Sox, Royals, Indians, Rangers Twins andYankees in the American League and the Cubs, Giants, Marlins, Nationals, Padres, Phillies, Reds and Rockies in the National League.
More Information: Major League Baseball Website.

•  COKE ZERO 400 NASCAR, DAYTONA BEACH – Where's the best place to spend the Fourth of July in the South? Hard ta say, but for fans of the National Association of Stock Car Racing it's the Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Okay, make that the Coke Zero 400 now but many people still refer to its original name. This year's event is Saturday, July 4 at 6:30 p.m., with a Busch race on Friday the 3rd.
More Information: NASCAR Website.

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