June 22, 2007
July 4th fireworks around the USA: Where are you going? Where have you been?
I got an email from Tri-Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau in California about their July 4th events. I'll publish part of their press release below and then add some other fireworks related stuff of my own:
Red, White and Blues Festival – Alameda County Fair, PleasantonNow, without a doubt, the best fireworks on July 4th I've seen were in Boston. Boston Harborfest goes from June 28th to July 4th. This article is a good description.
This non-stop festival features outstanding blues acts homegrown in Tri-Valley and the surrounding cities. Plan for a full day enriched by a truly American cultural experience with roots right here at home. Festival is from 12-8 p.m., and is free with admission to the Alameda County Fair. For more information call (510) 836-2227.Star Spangled Spectacular – San Ramon Central Park, San Ramon
Bring the entire family for a fun old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. The festivities will kick off at
5 p.m. with food booths, entertainment and fireworks. For more information call (925) 973-3200.Livermore Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration – Robertson Park, Livermore
Gather for music, family games, food, and the grand finale of fireworks with synchronized music. Event runs 4-10 p.m. For more information call (925) 373-5748.4th of July Parade – Downtown Danville
Celebrate the nation's history with a traditional, patriotic parade. Starting in Downtown Danville at 10 a.m. For more information call (510) 297-7693
One place I'd love to see July 4th fireworks is in Washington DC. At the National Mall, the Smithsonian's annual Folklife Festival (June 27-July 1 and July 4-8) features the Mekong River, Northern Ireland and the great state of Virginia. You'll want to find a spot near the Capitol for the fireworks accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra.
Here's an article on fireworks in Detroit. It took me a long time to read because I kept going back to look at the awesome picture at the top.
New York City has its famous Macy's Fireworks display. It's kind of funny that New York City and Jersey City can't both set off fireworks from the water thanks to an 1834 treaty... One time I watched this from the roof of my friend's apartment in Queens. That was good but the view of lower firewors was somewhat obscured.
The Southeastern US has lots going on. This list covers July 4th and beyond.
I've also seen fireworks in Wilkes-Barre, PA. I think the Pennsylvania Pops Orchestra or Pennsylvania Philharmonic (can't remember which) performed. The last piece was the 1812 Overture and the fireworks started during the piece. I don't know if they still do this - there doesn't seem to me much about it online.
Anyway, where have you been or where are you going for July 4th fireworks?
Posted by James Trotta at June 22, 2007 12:00 AM | TrackBack
Can anyone tell me where the best fireworks are in the Twin Cities (Minn). Also where to view them. Thanks
Posted by: Julie at June 22, 2007 1:06 PMwill be on business in San Antonio, Tx on July 4th--can anyone tell me what celebration is best in the area? Much appprecieated for any info...
Posted by: Dr. John Krempen at June 22, 2007 1:25 PMHi, I live in San Antonio, so may be able to help you out a bit. There are several across town, one at Lackland AFB is good and free. The best from what I hear (haven't been there in a while) is at Woodlawn Lake, a lovely park in NW San Antonio, on Cincinnati. Fireworks display at 10 p.m., but it's an all-day event. Also, displays at Fiesta Texas and Sea World. Hotels can give you directions to any of these. May have more info the closer it gets to the 4th. Hope this helps. Expect crowds!
Posted by: Sharon at June 22, 2007 4:30 PMI have friends visiting from Australia who will be in the Los Angeles area on the 4th of July. They are "mature adults" and so are looking for something that is not too much of a zoo, but with an impressive display. Any suggestions?
Oh, and the best fireworks EVER in the San Francisco area are not on the 4th... they're around Mother's Day every year at the KFOG KABOOM. Never seen anything to top it.
Posted by: Miss at June 22, 2007 5:23 PMI thought these were a pretty awesome fireworks display!
http://www.molaver.org/mount_rushmore_fireworks_display_1.htm
The best fireworks are setting in your houseboat in the middle of lake cumberland in kentucky. Its a great display of fireworks off a barge.
Posted by: mike roberts at June 24, 2007 1:10 PMBroadway Festivals, Inc. is proud to present the 15th annual 4th On Broadway Celebration. This free, outdoor family event celebrates unique musical cultures, artistic dynamism and diversity of the South Plains. Much to the delight of the festival organizers, the event attracts in excess of 200,000 people from Lubbock, Eastern New Mexico and other parts of Texas. Since it’s birth 15 years ago, this event has come to be known as, “the largest free festival in Texas,” and has been named, “Best Promotional Event,” by the Texas Downtown association. This popular community-wide celebration features exciting events for children and adults of all ages including an Independence Day Parade, street fair and an evening concert ending with a fantastic firework display. The focus is musical outreach. Don Caldwell Productions will carefully select more than 700 local artists to showcase their musical talent on 11 different stages throughout downtown Lubbock. Each stage will have performances from several different musical genres including a fiesta stage, eclectic stage, country stage and heritage dancer stage. The Fourth on Broadway musical presentations are an outstanding opportunity to introduce children and families to a variety of musical venues.
Posted by: Jerry D. Smith at June 25, 2007 1:57 PMI've lived in DC for about three years. My first year here I made a point to go to the Mall to see the fireworks on the fourth of July. The best sitting place I found was on the ground of the Ellipse (behind the White House). There was plenty of grass to spread out on while being very close to fireworks display near the Washington Monument. It was a beautiful sight. My only complaint was once the fireworks are over, everyone starts making their way to the Metro.
Posted by: KMC at June 27, 2007 8:58 PM